“Not Me”: Ajaka Distances Self From INEC Protest Report

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Ajaka, has dissociated himself from a protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing reports linking him to the action as “false and misleading.”

A Firm Denial

ValidViewNetwork gathered that the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Ajaka, has dissociated himself from the protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ajaka described reports linking him to the action as “false and misleading” in a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Dauda, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

A Clear Disavowal

The statement was issued in response to a publication by a group identified as “Igala Vanguard”, attributed to one Lawrence, which allegedly linked Ajaka to the demonstration.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka did not authorise, sponsor, direct, commission or coordinate the protest,” the statement said.

It added that attributing the actions of independent citizens to Ajaka was an attempt to mislead the public and drag his name into an issue with which he was not connected.

Citizens’ Right to Protest

Ajaka’s media aide also defended the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, stressing that Igala youths did not require the permission of any political actor to assemble and express concerns about issues affecting their communities.

A Warning Against Character Assassination

The statement accused unnamed individuals and groups of using fictitious associations and pseudo-identities to engage in character assassination, political manipulation and the spread of unsubstantiated allegations.

“Anyone with allegations against Ajaka should come forward openly, using their real names and presenting facts and evidence that could withstand public scrutiny,” the statement said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Respect for INEC

The statement clarified that Ajaka holds the Chairman of INEC and the commission in high esteem.

“Ajaka respects the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the INEC Chairman and remains confident that the Commission will continue to discharge its duties with fairness, professionalism and regard for the law,” the statement said.

A Lesson for Nigeria, Ajaka’s denial is a reminder that in the age of political propaganda, false attribution is a weapon.

The same people who link their opponents to protests will never allow their own children to be victims of such tactics. Their families are protected.

For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: the truth matters. The same leaders who spread falsehoods will never allow their own children to be victims of misinformation.

Verify before you believe. Demand evidence. And never forget that a reputation can be destroyed by a single false accusation.