In a twist of event, 20 support groups that had been backing the Labour Party flag bearer for the 11th November governorship election in Kogi State have withdrawn their support and pledged their loyalty to the standard bearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.
This was contained in a communiqué issued by the leader of the 20 groups signed by comrade Benjamin Isah and addressed to Dr. Bala Sunday OMA, the leader of the OBI-DIENT movement in the state which was given to newsmen on Sunday in Lokoja.
In the communique, the group expressed their reasons for throwing their weight behind the SDP standard bearer. They stressed that the development has the potential to impact the dynamics of the November 2023 election in Kogi State to no small measure.
The leader of the decamped 20 support groups , comrade Benjamin Isah, expressed gratitude towards the LP Support Group Forum for their previous collaboration, but outlined their reasons for withdrawing support at this stage of the struggle.
Among others, the communiqué highlighted the key factors which influenced their decision as, loss of confidence in LP state executive; Murtala Yakubu Ajaka’s track record; acceptability by the people; financial acumen and impact of the candidate in the society of Kogi.
Explaining, the group leader stated that the members were dissatisfied with the party’s conduct in the past election, making the group to pass a vote of no confidence on the LP state executive.
The communique noted that the resultant loss of faith on the executive members of the party played a significant role in their decision to distance themselves from the LP candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Also, the support groups added that after due consideration, the members conceded to Muritala Ajaka because of his track records in human capital development which stood him out among the candidates vying for the coveted position in the November election.
“The support groups recognized his achievements and believed he would be better equipped to lead and foster growth in the state”, said the communique.
Equally, the communique stressed further that : “Extensive door-to-door surveys conducted by the support groups revealed that Murtala Yakubu Ajaka enjoyed significant popularity among the constituents of the Idah Federal Constituency.
According to the groups , the sound financial status of the SDP candidate is crucial in ensuring a successful campaign and eventual victory, while his widespread acceptance across the state further solidified their decision to endorse him as their governorship candidate.
Meanwhile, the leader of the OBI-DIENT movement in the state, Dr. Bala Sunday OMA has commended the bold move of the groups of 20 to file behind, Hon. Muritala Ajaka in the November governorship race in the state .
Dr Bala Sunday OMA therefore enjoined them to close ranks and be consistent in the struggle ahead in order to ensure a change in the shape of the dynamics of the Kogi State politics via November election.
