2027: APC Screens Muri Ajaka For Kogi East Senate Race

Frontline politician and former governorship candidate, Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, on Saturday successfully scaled the screening process of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Kogi East Senatorial race ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ajaka, popularly known as “Muri” among his supporters, was reportedly granted a waiver by the chairman of the screening committee and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who asked him to “take a bow and go” during the exercise held in Abuja.

Party faithful described the gesture as a mark of recognition for Ajaka’s contributions to the APC and his previous service as Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the screening, Ajaka called for reconciliation, peace, and unity among the people of Kogi East, stressing that meaningful development can only be achieved through collective effort and cooperation.

He urged political leaders and stakeholders to set aside personal interests and work together for the progress of the Igala nation and the overall development of Kogi State.

According to him, his ambition to represent Kogi East in the Senate is driven by the desire to offer purposeful and people-oriented representation that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.

Ajaka said that, if elected, he would leverage his political network and national influence to attract federal presence, development projects, youth empowerment programmes, and economic investments to the district.

“I want to be a true representative of the people, someone who listens to their concerns and genuinely fights for their interests,” he stated.

He assured supporters that his campaign would focus on tackling unemployment, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and underdevelopment across Kogi East.

In an emotional tribute, Ajaka remembered supporters who lost their lives during the 2023 governorship election struggle, pledging continued support for the families of those who paid the ultimate price for the movement.

He also appealed to APC members and residents of Kogi State to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his leadership as vital to Nigeria’s stability and economic transformation.

Observers believe Ajaka’s growing grassroots influence across the nine local government areas of Kogi East has positioned him as one of the key political figures to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.

His recent reconciliation with former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has also been described by many political stakeholders as a positive development for unity within the APC in the state.