Democracy is adjudged to be a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representative. In a democratic government like Nigeria, public officers are elected through the mechanism of political parties. Political parties are organization of members with similar ideologies with egalitarian principle. In Nigeria, this is exactly the process through which the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) operates in both at the federal and state levels, Kogi state inclusive.
The recent pronouncements by the state governorship tribunal which affirmed Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi state has opened a new chapter in the political journey of our dear state. Kogi is a multilingual state with over eight different ethnic groups bounded by many states including the Federal Capital Territory. The state is strategically located with diverse cultural heritage.
The complex nature of Kogi state if well managed by the people especially the political class could usher unprecedented progress and further place the state on the path of rapid socio-economic development. Since unity of the state is sin-qua-non to her progress and development, it must be preserved and uphold by all and sundry. We should never allowed our unity be slaughtered on the ulter of personal or tribal interest.
Prior to the 2023 governorship election in Kogi state, Alh. Muritala Yakubu Ajaka was a stunch member of All Progressive Congress (APC), an aide to the former Acting National Chairman of the party, Mai Mala Buni. He rose through the rank to become the Deputy National Publicity Secretary and member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party with support from Alh. Yahaya Bello and state chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC).
No doubt, Alh. Muritala Ajaka contributed his quota to the success of the party at all levels and even donated branded vehicles to APC in Kogi state for the 2023 presidential campaign of Asiwaju Boa Tinubu. His personal effort towards the success of the party was born out of his shared political ideology. Surprisingly, Alh. Muritala Ajaka hurriedly left APC to pursue his governorship ambition under a relatively know Social Democratic Party (SDP) due to what could be described as irreconcilable differences with the state party machinery.
So, the November 2023 governorship contest in Kogi state was a clear case of APC against APC. In this context, APC defeating APC was a clear point of “no victor no vanguish” situation. It is on this note, I wish to humbly and respectfully advise Alh. Muritala Yakubu Ajaka to drop the idea of appealing the tribunal judgement, instead pick his phone and Congratulates Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo and return back home where he truly belongs. He remain a critical stakeholders in APC, and we all own the party together.
In politics, misconception and manovering is expected but the best is the for the leaders to find a common ground to resolve their differences in the interest of the people and the party. I strongly believe the strain relationship between the leader of the party, Alh. Yahaya Bello and Alh. Muritala Ajaka have come a long way, the political differences is not beyond repair, hence, there’s need to close rank and give peace a chance as united members of the same party. Anything outside this is a deceit capable of eroding the fortunes of the party in the state.
The governorship ambition of Alh. Muritala Ajaka is not over, he is a young man with potentials, his ambition could still be achieved in the nearest future with support from other zones. The party is big enough to accommodate his desires and collective interest.
Permit me to end this piece with the words of Alh. Ibrahim Idris, the former governor of Kogi state, who described a ruling party as garden with many fruits for her members. He said, a member who desired an apple but couldn’t get it can still go for an orange, guava or mango which according to him still serve the same purpose.
The former governor made the statement to console myself and others who lost the chance to contest House of Assembly seat under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007.
I was later appointed Special Adviser in the local government, Personal Assistant to the former House of Assembly Speaker, and today, I am a member of the 8th House of Assembly. We all witnessed the political misadventures of a prominent Nigerian leader who has been swinging from one political party to another in his quest to lead the country rather than being patient to build a formidable political party and wait for an appointed time.
Going forward, there’s need for true reconciliation as members of same political party and one united Kogites. Regardless of various skirmish and shenanigans of supporters and tribal agitation of political gladiators, peace and reconciliation of party members is the way to go.
– Hon. Zakari Yusuf (Nescafe) is a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing Okene II Constituency
