The Kogi State SDP governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka, has commended the integrity of the INEC leadership, pointing out in particular the work of Dr. Hale Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). Ajaka complimented Longpet on his integrity and hinted that attempts to weaken him are the cause of their problems. He said his opinion that his refusal to partake in unethical behavior is reflected in the attempts to undermine or threaten the REC
During the interview with AIT, Ajaka emphasised the seriousness of the situation in Kogi State, characterising it as a local matter that should transcend party lines. He expressed concern about potential consequences, describing the situation as “brazen criminality.” In response, Ajaka indicated that they have reported the issues to federal authorities to ensure that the matter is addressed appropriately. He also warned about the potential negative impact on future elections if such criminal activities are allowed to persist.
According to him, “Let me first of all commend INEC, the INEC leadership, and the REC himself. He has shown that he’s truly an upright man. What we’re seeing is the failure to compromise him. A reflection of that because he has refused to be compromised. That’s why they’re trying to get him eliminated or to intimidate him. It’s unfortunate, and we have written to the federal authorities all that we know and all that has been going on in the state because, like I have been telling all our leaders that I had contact with, the situation in Kogi State is a local matter; it shouldn’t be treated as a party affair. And we must not allow this brazen criminality to prevail because I learnt that it might cause problems in the next election.