Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Kogi State election, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka, has denied a claim by Governor Usman Ododo of the state and former governor of the state, Yahaya Bello that he has agreed to give up the legal battle to reclaim his stolen mandate in that election.

Ajaka said he never had any such discussion, either personally or through a representative, with Ododo and Bello to abandon his fight to reclaim his mandate.

He said, "I am fully committed to pursuing the legal battle to regain the mandate that was freely given to us by the people of Kogi State.

He said it would be a massive betrayal of a shared struggle to consider having any discussions to compromise the struggle.

The SDP governorship candidate said the fight is beyond him, adding that his legal team has since filed a 32-strong, compelling and arguable grounds of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, within the stipulated time.

Ajaka said all the necessary legal procedures were followed to ensure that the appeal is heard and determined within the given timeframe, and that, he is confident that he will be successful.

He commended the support, commitment and patience of all his supporters and partners in the endeavor to rescue Kogi State.