By Muhammad Mamman, Abuja
Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the former Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, is poised to return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what analysts describe as a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
Ajaka, who emerged as a prominent opposition voice during the fiercely contested 2023 poll, had defected from the APC to the SDP ahead of the election, positioning himself as an alternative to the ruling establishment. His anticipated return now signals a fresh round of political recalibrations within Kogi State.
Sources close to the development say consultations between Ajaka and senior APC stakeholders have reached an advanced stage, with a formal declaration expected in the coming days. Party insiders suggest the move is part of broader efforts to consolidate political influence and unify key blocs ahead of future electoral contests.
The 2023 Kogi governorship race drew national attention amid intense rivalry and legal challenges. Although Ajaka did not secure victory, his campaign reshaped opposition dynamics and expanded the SDP’s visibility in the state.
Observers say his return to the APC could strengthen the party’s internal cohesion while weakening opposition structures. However, critics argue that frequent party defections reflect deeper ideological fluidity within Nigeria’s political system, where alliances often shift ahead of strategic political milestones.
Neither Ajaka nor the state chapter of the APC has issued an official statement confirming the timeline of his defection, but political watchers believe the development could trigger further realignments in the North Central state.
Kogi State remains a critical battleground in Nigeria’s evolving political equation, and Ajaka’s next move is expected to reverberate beyond state borders as parties prepare for future contests.
