By joshua 
A Question of Trust, Memory, and Political Consistency in Kogi East Senatorial District
By Christopher Sunday
Let me begin with clarity. This position is not personal. It is not driven by resentment or bias against Yakubu Murtala Ajaka. It is a reasoned reflection grounded in political history, observable patterns, and simple common sense. But I am not here to super coat a serious issue that is capable of affecting my people negatively. As a philosopher, it is my responsibility to be a light to the mind of the people. This is not about Murtala Ajaka, it is not about anyone in particular, but about the people and the truth they deserve to know. I will not also allow anyone to lie to our people in prank of national connection. I say things as they are, regardless.
Politics, in its purest sense, is not merely about ambition. It is about trust, consistency, and fidelity to a collective cause. A people who ignore their political memory risk surrendering their future to cycles of repeated disappointment.
The recent declaration by Ajaka to contest for the Senate has been framed as a response to popular demand and stakeholder consultation. That may well be so. But beyond declarations, serious questions emerge, questions that deserve calm but honest consideration.
The issue is not whether he has the right to aspire. He does. The real question is whether his political trajectory inspires the level of trust required for such responsibility.
Ajaka was not a distant observer in the political structure associated with Yahaya Bello. He was an active participant within it. Within the Igala Kingdom, there remains a strong and persistent perception that this political era did not sufficiently advance the collective interest of the people. During the build up to the 2019 governorship election, many believe that certain political processes worked against credible Igala voices. Figures such as Sheidu Oga are often referenced in conversations about that period.
Whether one agrees fully with these views or not, the perception exists, and in politics, perception is not a minor factor. It shapes trust.
When Ajaka later exited that structure and pursued his governorship ambition under the Social Democratic Party Nigeria, it was widely seen as a bold move. However, the aftermath of that contest raised further questions. Many supporters who stood firmly with him expected a deeper level of engagement and appreciation after the election. For a number of them, that expectation was not fully met.
Leadership is not only tested during campaigns. It is tested even more in moments after defeat.
There are also lingering concerns about prior understandings among political stakeholders, expectations that future ambitions would be coordinated in a way that reflects mutual respect and collective strategy. His current senatorial bid appears, to some, to diverge from those expectations. Again, whether these concerns are universally accepted is not the point. The fact that they exist is what matters.
At a time when unity and strategic alignment are critical for the Igala people, the entrance of multiple competing ambitions without clear coordination risks weakening collective bargaining power.
Another important question arises from recent political developments. After the governorship election, Ajaka and many of his supporters were openly critical of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the leadership of Yahaya Bello and Ahmed Usman Ododo. Today, his alignment with the same platform introduces a legitimate question of consistency. How should the people interpret this transition? What has fundamentally changed? These are questions that deserve clear answers, not assumptions.
Politics is not static, and realignments are not unusual. But credibility depends on how such transitions are explained and justified.
The memory of sacrifice must also be acknowledged. Individuals like Okwo Ejule symbolize the depth of commitment and risk that accompanied the last political struggle. Such moments impose a moral burden on leadership decisions that follow. Political transitions must, therefore, be weighed not only in strategic terms but also in ethical terms.
At its core, this conversation is not about one individual. It is about standards. It is about whether political leadership should be anchored on consistency, accountability, and collective interest, or shaped by shifting alignments and personal calculations.
The people of the Igala Kingdom are not short of capable individuals who can represent them. The challenge is not availability of leaders, but clarity in choosing those whose political history aligns with the future the people seek.
In the end, the responsibility rests with the people. Not to react emotionally, but to think critically. Not to follow narratives, but to examine patterns.
Because in politics, as in life, trust is not declared. It is demonstrated over time.