In Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape, where entrenched power structures often masquerade as democracy, two men stand at the forefront of a movement for genuine change: H.E. Murtala Yakubu Ajaka and Malam Nasir El-Rufai. Their fearless defiance of political feudalism and unwavering commitment to democratic principles have ignited a new wave of political consciousness, challenging an age-old system that prioritizes loyalty to godfathers over service to the people. In an era where governance is often reduced to a game of patronage, these two leaders are proving that integrity, competence, and the will of the people should be the true currency of power.
The Battle for Kogi’s Political Liberation
Kogi State has long been a breeding ground for political godfatherism, where power is handed down like a family heirloom, and elections are seen as mere formalities to legitimize preordained outcomes. Nowhere is this more evident than in the former governor’s insistence that his anointed successor must serve two uninterrupted terms—disregarding merit, accountability, or public sentiment. This flagrant subversion of democracy has reduced governance in Kogi to an exclusive club, where political loyalty takes precedence over the needs of the people.
Amidst this stranglehold, H.E. Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has emerged as an uncompromising force of resistance. A proud son of Kogi East, Ajaka is not merely seeking power; he is waging a battle for the political emancipation of his people. His leadership philosophy rejects the backroom dealings and power-brokering that define traditional Kogi politics. Instead, he envisions governance as a social contract—a covenant where elected officials answer to the electorate, not to a select few who believe they are the gatekeepers of power.
Ajaka’s mettle was tested during the 2023 Kogi governorship election, where he mounted an unprecedented grassroots-driven challenge against the entrenched establishment. His candidacy resonated deeply with a populace eager for change, positioning him as a formidable contender against the ruling structure. Yet, despite his overwhelming support, the election was tainted with systemic manipulation, with widespread reports of electoral malfeasance obstructing the true will of the people. But Ajaka’s fight is far from over. His defiance has sparked a political awakening, rallying Kogi’s citizens behind a vision that dares to dream beyond dynastic rule. He is no longer just a candidate—he is the face of a movement determined to reclaim democracy from the clutches of political overlords.
El-Rufai’s Defection: A Political Earthquake
If Ajaka’s battle is a fight for Kogi’s political soul, Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the SDP marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s national political discourse. Once a loyal stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai’s departure is more than a personal decision—it is a scathing rebuke of the party’s descent into internal autocracy.
El-Rufai, a leader known for his unapologetic commitment to governance over politics, was once a key architect of the APC’s rise to power. However, over time, he grew disillusioned with a party that, in his view, had abandoned its reformist agenda in favor of power consolidation. His defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is not just a realignment; it is a strategic repositioning—a bid to forge a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By stepping away from the APC, El-Rufai is sending a strong message: politics should not be about blind loyalty but about principles, vision, and national interest. His move challenges fellow political actors to rethink their allegiance—are they serving their party, or are they serving Nigeria? The SDP, long overshadowed by the country’s two dominant parties, is now being positioned as a platform for progressive governance, with El-Rufai seeking to rally like-minded reformers under its banner.
A Shared Vision for Nigeria’s Political Future
While Ajaka and El-Rufai operate on different political stages, their struggles are deeply intertwined. Both are rejecting the feudalistic tendencies that have long stifled Nigeria’s democracy. Both are challenging the notion that power must be passed down like an inheritance. And both are demonstrating that true leadership is not about submission to a political godfather but about devotion to the people.
As Nigeria stands at a political crossroads, their defiance offers a glimpse of what the future could be—a political landscape where elections are not mere rituals, but genuine contests of ideas and competence. Their courage is reshaping the conversation, proving that the era of entitled rulers and handpicked successors is nearing its end.
The question now is not whether Ajaka and El-Rufai will succeed—it is whether Nigerians are ready to stand with them. Because in the end, the fight against political feudalism is not theirs alone—it belongs to every citizen who believes in a Nigeria where power belongs to the people, not to a privileged few.
– Yusph A., Ph.D.
