Former Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, has warned against using his name to create political controversies, following reports linking him to a protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Ajaka, through his Head of Media and Public Communications, Tijani Dauda, said he neither authorised, sponsored, directed nor coordinated the protest, describing reports associating him with the demonstration as false and misleading.
The statement was issued in response to a publication by a group identified as Igala Vanguard, which reportedly attributed the protest to Ajaka.
The former SDP candidate said citizens had the right to peacefully express their concerns and that Igala youths did not need the permission of any political figure to organise a protest.
He also accused unnamed individuals and groups of using fictitious associations and pseudo-identities to spread what he described as unsubstantiated allegations and engage in political manipulation.
Ajaka challenged anyone with allegations against him to come forward openly, identify themselves and provide evidence that could withstand public scrutiny.
Despite distancing himself from the protest, Ajaka said he respected the constitutional responsibilities of INEC and its chairman, expressing confidence that the commission would continue to conduct its duties fairly and professionally.
He consequently urged the public to disregard what he described as false attribution and avoid being misled by political propaganda involving his name.
