With the Kogi State gubernatorial election four days away, there is a mixed feeling of apprehension, caution, warnings, and happiness as videos emerged of soldiers in trucks and armoured personnel carriers (APC) began taking positions in different parts of the state.
Residents filmed the troops movement, while others made skits to warn thugs to keep off voting areas as the soldiers meant business.
In the last few weeks, the state has been enmeshed in violent spasms with accusations and counter-accusations, especially between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). A promi nent feature in the accusations is the involvement of State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is alleged to orchestrate many of the drama to foist his Party’s candidate and cousin, Usman Ododo, by all possible means.
His Party and aides have also accused the SDP candidate, Mr. Muritala Ajaka, of orchestrating violence during his campaigns, though no lawsuit has been brought against by government.
In fact, two of the candidates: Ajaka and Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had to go to court to get orders for federal security forces to protect them against the alleged onslaught of thugs from the APC and government.