The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Kogi State election, Alhaji Yakubu Muritala Ajaka, has taken a swipe at former Governor Yahaya Bello, describing his recent political moves ahead of 2027 as “a tired charade designed to fool no one.”
Ajaka, in a statement on Sunday, said Bello’s attempts to rebrand himself politically were “nothing more than a performance for relevance,” insisting that the people of Kogi have moved past “the era of deceit and intimidation.”
“It is unfortunate that Yahaya Bello still thinks Kogites can be misled by his old tricks,” Ajaka said. “Our people are more politically enlightened now and will not fall for empty propaganda or staged loyalty.”
The SDP chieftain stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not need Bello’s brand of politics to succeed, adding that “what the President needs is credibility and visible performance, not manipulation or fearmongering.”
Ajaka also questioned Bello’s influence in Kogi politics, recalling that the former governor could not even deliver his senatorial district in the last general election.
“It’s laughable that someone who couldn’t deliver his own zone now claims he can deliver the entire state in 2027,” he said. “Kogites will vote for competence and sincerity, not theatrics.”
According to Ajaka, a new wave of political consciousness is sweeping through the state, with young and informed citizens determined to shape a better future.
“When the time comes, credible and people-oriented leaders will emerge to move Kogi and Nigeria forward,” he declared. “The days of fear-driven politics are gone for good.”
Ajaka, who contested against Bello’s preferred candidate in 2023, has been a consistent critic of the former governor’s style, often accusing him of divisive leadership and poor governance.