…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has unveiled its candidate for the forthcoming November 11 governorship election.
Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, has been chosen as the party’s candidate.
Ajaka had recently resigned from the APC, as previously reported by Naija News.
Dr Arome Okeme, the State Secretary of the SDP, made the announcement in a statement released on Monday.
He stated that the SDP state chapter had successfully completed the necessary procedures to substitute its candidate following a primary election held on May 20, 2023.
The rerun primary nullified the candidacy of Alhaji Sheik Ibrahim Jibril, thereby confirming Ajaka as the official SDP candidate for the upcoming governorship election.
According to Okeme, the primary election witnessed the presence of the electoral umpire, security operatives, and members of the press, who attended the event held in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state.
Barrister Joseph Achille Abu, the National Organizing Secretary and Electoral Committee Chairman, announced the result, revealing that over 95% of the 600 delegates voted in favor of Ajaka.
This declaration brought jubilation among party members and stakeholders.
In the statement, Okeme highlighted that Ajaka had fulfilled all the requirements set by the party and the electoral body.
He expressed confidence in Ajaka’s candidacy, suggesting that it would usher in a new era of purposeful, calculated, coordinated, passionate, and result-oriented leadership.
Okeme further mentioned that Ajaka’s official recognition as the party’s duly elected candidate by INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) is expected in the coming days or weeks.
Hon. Moses Peter, the state chairman of the SDP, concluded the statement by expressing gratitude for the support of party members and the residents of Kogi State.
He encouraged everyone to continue their support in the upcoming November governorship election.