The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye has condemned in strongest terms, the incidence of a bloody clash between the Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the Governorship candidate of SDP, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.
Melaye made the condemnation in a statement in Lokoja on Saturday.
Melaye, the leading candidate in the race to Lugard House, said the clash on Abuja -Lokoja highway on Saturday between the two parties was uncalled for and a clear threat to the peaceful conduct to the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state.
“I am still being briefed about the details of the attack.
“I am aware that both the Governor and the SDP candidate’s team are trading blame over the attack.
“If the reports are anything to go by; I, Senator Dino Melaye, the Kogi State Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemn in the strongest sense of it, such incidence.
“I call on both Governor Yahaya Bello and the SDP candidate not to heat up Kogi State with any chaos or crisis.
“The peace of Kogi State is paramount at all times.
“I call on the Federal Government of Nigeria as led by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the Office of President of Nigeria that he currently occupies (pending the outcome of the Presidential Election Petition Court) to immediately commence investigation into the GYB/SDP clash and ensure those involved are brought to book regardless of how highly placed they may be,” Senator Dino Melaye said.
Suspected armed political thugs believed to be loyal to the governorship candidate of the SDP, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka were said to have ambushed and launched a gun attack on the convoy of Governor Yahaya Bello on Saturday on Abuja -Lokoja highway.
