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Kogi: Gov Bello, SDP Guber candidate, Ajaka trade blame over attack

Published

3 years ago

June 4, 2023

Advocate News Nigeria

Yakubu Muritala Ajaka's car attacked

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There was a clash Saturday between the campaign team of the Kogi State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Yakubu Muritala Ajaka and the convoy of Governor Yahaya Bello.

Ajaka, a former national officer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had dumped the ruling party and secured the governorship ticket of the SDP following his inability to get the APC ticket, which was clinched by Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The SDP’s candidate, an Igala from the Kogi East Senatorial District, is perceived to be one of the popular contenders in the November election.

He is also seen as the main challenger to Ododo, who is believed to be Governor Bello’s anointed candidate. Kogi had witnessed series of electoral violences in the past.

During the November 2019 governorship election in the state, a report by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) revealed that 10 persons were killed in 79 cases of violence recorded across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Violence was also recorded in Kogi during the February 25presidential election. An instance was the killing of a young man, simply identified as Akayama, who was said to be gunned down by thugs who invaded Anyigba in Dekina Local Government Area of the state to cart away election materials.

There were also reports of violence at Mopa in the Kogi West Senatorial District and some areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District during the poll.

Yesterday’s incident, it was learnt, happened around the Navy Quarters, near Lokoja, when Governor Bello was returning from Abuja.

Bello and Ajaka traded blame over the incident, accusing each other of being responsible for the attack.

While Bello alleged that his convoy was attacked by the SDP’s team; Ajaka claimed that it was an assassination attempt on his life by Bello and his men.

An eyewitness said the governor’s convoy ran into the SDP’s stalwarts and their supporters who were on the way to Lokoja, after paying a courtesy call on the paramount ruler of Kotonkarfe, Ohimege Igu, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto.

The source added that the SDP supporters, who were moving in a long convoy of vehicles, took over the road, thus preventing the governor’s convoy from negotiating out of the highway at that particular time.

According to the source, the melee that followed led to sporadic shootings by alleged “miscreants” and bullets hit many cars, though no life was lost.

However, the Kogi State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, alleged that the governor’s convoy was blocked and attacked by people believed to be supporters of Ajaka.

“The attack took place near the Naval Base, a few kilometres from Lokoja where the convoy of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, having sighted that of the governor, blocked the road and some of his armed thugs started shooting sporadically at the convoy of the governor.

“The governor left the scene unscathed and there is no cause for panic as the Governor is in high spirit”, Fanwo said.

The state government alleged further that “some security aides and other aides attached to the governor sustained injuries and had been rushed to medical facilities for medical attention”.

Fanwo said while the state government promised to ensure that law and order is maintained, the “governor warned that no APC member should be involved in any reprisal as insecurity from any quarter will be met with stiff penalties”.

Bello, while speaking on the incident at the Government House, vowed that his administration would deal with anyone or group of persons threatening the peace and progress of the state.

He said there was no hiding place for any political thug, miscreant or whoever is hiding under politics to perpetrate evil in the state.

“In the game of politics, I don’t take anything for granted. In this particular game , I will leave no stone unturned. We are sure of an overwhelming clean victory in the coming governorship election.

“On lion’s day, an antelope blocked my way. Let this be the first and last. We are looking forward to the law enforcement agents to take action.

It’s assassination attempt – Ajaka

Meanwhile, Ajaka, in a statement by his campaign’s spokesman, Faruk Adejoh, alleged that gun-wielding men in the governor’s convoy attacked him.

The statement read: “Ajaka and some vehicles accompanying him were approaching Lokoja at the vicinity of the Ram Market at about 300pm when two power bikes and a Toyota Hilux overtook his car and forced it to a stop.

“The men jumped down and began shooting at Ajaka’s car and all other cars in the motorcade. They shot for over 5 minutes at Ajaka’s bullet proof car unprovoked.

“All this while Bello’s car was parked a few meters in front and was used to barricade the road while the gun men had a field day.”

“When they ceased, Ajaka’s car, a Lexus SUV though a bulletproof (car); was totally damaged and demobilised.”

Our correspondent learnt that Ajaka aborted his courtesy visit to paramount rulers in the state and returned to Abuja because of the incident.

One of his closest aides, Muhammad, said that an SDP chieftain identified as Muri, “escaped by grace of God”, saying, “his bulletproof vehicle prevented the bullets from reaching him as he was shot at close range in the confusion that ensued on the highway”.

The Kogi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, did not respond to a text message and call to his mobile for comment.

CDD, CODE demand action on Kogi violence

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Connected Development (CODE) have demanded proactive and decisive actions over Saturday clash ahead of November governorship election in the state.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Sunday in Abuja, Director CDD, Idayat Hassan, said: “Kogi elections has always been one of the most violent in Nigeria, we often say that Kogi State is one of the headquarters of political thugs in Nigeria.

“Why this is worrying is that this is several months into the election, almost five months, and there are stories of election violence particularly between a sitting governor and a candidate. It is extremely worrying and this can only tell us how violent the election can actually be.

“It could be recalled that in the 2019 election, there was huge election day violence, very unprecedented such that even observers were beaten up and the largest polling unit was scattered.”

Also, the Chief Executive of the Connected Development (CODE), Hamza Lawal, urged the security agencies to be on the alert ahead of the governorship poll.

He said: “This is madness and unacceptable and security agencies must rise to the occasion. First, they must institute inquiries and investigate what transpired and they must ensure that there are consequences.

“Kogi State has enjoyed peace for the past seven years and now we cannot afford a breakdown of law and order. Election is just one of the democratic processes and no one should subvert the will of the people. Security agencies must be on high alert and for we civil society, we shall not relent in holding government accountable.”

Daily Trust

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BREAKING: Crisis hits APC as new factional Chairman emerges

Published

16 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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A fresh leadership crisis has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of a new faction led by political commentator and activist, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi.

Danladi, who declared herself chairperson of a faction of the ruling party, claimed to have assumed leadership amid what she described as a deepening internal crisis rocking the APC.

In a statement, she asserted that her faction had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its existence and was seeking the derecognition of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) currently led by Nentawe Yilwatda.

“I, Alhaja Hafsatu Danladi, hereby assert my position as the true and authentic Chairperson of the APC,” she said, insisting that the current leadership structure lacks legitimacy.

Danladi further disclosed plans to approach a Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legality of the existing party leadership, noting that the move was aimed at restoring due process and internal democracy within the APC.

She also revealed that her legal action would seek an order compelling INEC to withdraw recognition of the NWC under Yilwatda, which she described as an “illegitimate structure” overseeing the party’s affairs.

According to her, the step became necessary to safeguard the integrity of the party and ensure adherence to the rule of law.

The development adds a new twist to the ongoing internal wrangling within the APC, raising concerns about unity and stability in the build-up to future electoral contests.

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Amupitan speaks on most dangerous weapon against 2027

Published

18 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Prof. Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that misinformation poses the greatest threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Amupitan, who has faced growing public scrutiny in recent months, made the remark on Wednesday while delivering a speech at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja.

Emphasising the critical role of the media in safeguarding democracy, he described the nation’s airwaves as the “primary infrastructure of our democracy,” urging broadcasters to act responsibly in the lead-up to the polls.

According to him, the nature of electoral threats has evolved significantly, with digital platforms now playing a central role.

“In the 2027 General Election, the most dangerous weapon will not be a ballot-snatcher’s gun, but a smartphone-user’s lies amplified by an uncritical broadcast station,” he said.

The INEC chairman pointed to provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 designed to curb such risks, including requirements for equal airtime for all political parties and penalties for non-compliance.

“The Act mandates fairness and balance. You must provide a level playing field,” he stated.

He explained that media organisations that fail to comply could face fines of up to N5 million, while responsible officers risk possible imprisonment.

Amupitan also highlighted regulations governing political messaging, including a mandatory 24-hour “media blackout” before election day to limit last-minute voter manipulation. He added that the law criminalises hate speech and inflammatory content, warning against language capable of provoking religious, ethnic, or sectional tensions.

Despite these measures, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as weak enforcement of regulations, the commercialisation of airtime, and the disproportionate media advantage enjoyed by incumbent political actors.

“Political actors with greater financial resources dominate broadcast space,” he noted, adding that this trend undermines equal access and fairness in the electoral process.

To address these concerns, Amupitan called for stronger collaboration between INEC, BON, security agencies, and the judiciary. He also urged media organisations to uphold higher editorial standards and prioritise accuracy over profit.

“Fact-check in real-time, mobilise voters’ turnout and choose professionalism over profit,” he said.

He concluded by stressing that modern elections are no longer fought solely at polling units, but also in the information space, where public perception can be shaped long before votes are cast.

Amupitan spoke hours after the opposition led a massive protest at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso; Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in 2023 and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) marched against INEC under Amupitan, on Wednesday.

The opposition leaders accused the INEC Chairman of working with the ruling party to scuttle ADC chances in 2027.

Amupitan has since denied the allegations.

Speaking in an interview on ARISE Television last week, he had said, ““Let me state very clearly that I’m not a part of anyone’s plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.”

On allegations that the commission did not handle the ADC leadership dispute well, the INEC chairman stressed that the commission acted strictly in line with judicial directives.

“If this judgment didn’t come, would I decide on my own? Even on social media, if you look at people who talk, they speak from their own interests,” Amupitan stated.

“The question is whether they lack confidence in what INEC has done. INEC didn’t make the decision that is causing these grievances.”

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We’ll contest 2027 on our platform, INEC won’t stop us — ADC vows

Published

19 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to contest the 2027 general election under its own platform, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to discontinue recognising the party’s leadership over a court order.

Appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi expressed confidence that the opposition party will overcome all hurdles ahead.

“One thing I can guarantee is that we will contest the 2027 election on the ADC platform,” Abdullahi said.

“Regardless of what has happened in Nigeria, we still have confidence in the judiciary. We believe we have a slam-dunk case. If we are granted the accelerated hearing today and the court sits, we are confident that justice will be done. We have no doubt in our minds about that. While we are hoping for the best, we are also preparing for the worst.”

The spokesperson maintained that, since the party had given INEC the recommended 21-day notice for its congresses, it has nothing to fear, adding, “If the same INEC that swore in an affidavit that it was aware of the leadership change in the ADC is now turning around to say what they are saying, they are not going to stop us.”

He emphasised that the party will not simply give up, warning that surrendering would make them complicit in the erosion of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

One-Party State Concerns

Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu of seeking to make Nigeria a one-party state, vowing that the ADC will resist such a development.

“We in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are saying that Nigeria will not become a one-party state in our generation. We will do everything within the law to resist it,” he said.

According to him, President Tinubu is aware of his unpopularity, and the ruling party’s internal polls have pushed it into panic mode.

“The APC has almost all the governors and lawmakers, but Nigerians do not want the party anymore,” he said.

Abdullahi further alleged that the ruling party is making efforts to destabilize opposition political parties because it wants a situation where Tinubu will be the only viable presidential contender in 2027.

“It is the same agenda. They want a situation whereby when we arrive in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the only viable contestant. This is the agenda.

“It is the reason they decapitated the PDP and made it an appendage of the ruling party now; it is the reason they destabilize the Labour Party; it is the reason they destroyed NNPP,” he said.

No Boycott

Asked if the ADC will join calls by some opposition parties to boycott the 2027 election, Abdullahi said the party will never do that.

“We are not going to boycott. Like I said, to boycott is to surrender. I mean, you boycott, you make headlines — then what?” he said.

He added that the ADC carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians who have endured hardships over the last three years and will not disappoint them by boycotting a process that could improve their lives.

Legal Backdrop

In September 2025, Gombe sued at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the NWC led by David Mark and Aregbesola.

He claimed he should have assumed leadership after Nwosu resigned and alleged that Nwosu’s resignation letter was f week, INEC removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola as chairman and secretary of the ADC from its portal, citing a court order to maintain the status quo.

Abdullahi insists that the process that brought the David Mark-led ADC to power is “clear” and “legal.”

The ADC, which was adopted as a coalition party in July 2025, is positioning itself to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The party counts prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso among its supporters. (Channels TV)