Ahead of the Kogi governorship election scheduled for November 11, Muritala Ajaka has emerged Kogi East consensus candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Gabriel Aduku, chairman of the Kogi East Elders Committee, unveiled and presented the candidate to the Kogi people at a news briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Aduku said Mr Ajaka’s choice was based on the committee report set up by the Ukomu Igala organisation toward the end of 2022 to address the problems of Kogi East’s political backwardness.

He stated that the committee opted for Mr Ajaka after carefully examining his capacities, popularity/acceptability, and network and considering the various recommendations and reports received from the grassroots.

“We want to use this medium to call on all other candidates to please rally around Ajaka for the sake of the entire Kogi to ensure our victory at the poll.

“We plead that the candidates collapse their structures to close ranks with the other candidates and work together to achieve the desired aim,’’ Mr Aduku said.

The Kogi East Elders Committee chairman said the zone had remained backwards regarding development.

He noted that the zeal by many to revamp this backward trend led many residents to throw their hats into the ring to contest the state’s November 11, 2023, governorship election.

Mr Aduku disclosed that due to the diversity of candidates vying for the number one seat, the Ukomu Igala organisation had to set up a committee to streamline the number of candidates.

He said the engagement with the candidates continued after the conclusions of the political parties primary elections and the subsequent release of INEC’S list of candidates who emerged as party flag bearers.

He said they received recommendations from over 40 groups and associations of Kogi East extraction of their preferred candidates.

He added that after all processes and engagements on June 11, the committee received a report of five among the nine candidates who stepped down for Mr Ajaka.

(NAN)