Murtala Ajaka is a Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist from Kogi State. His full name is Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, and he is also known as Muri Ajaka. He is best known as the Social Democratic Party candidate in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, where he finished as the runner-up.
When and Where Was Murtala Ajaka Born?
Murtala Ajaka was born on February 13, 1978, in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. He turned 47 years old in 2025. He was born into a prominent family in the area.
What Political Positions Has Murtala Ajaka Held?
Murtala Ajaka built his political career through several appointments within the All Progressives Congress before joining the Social Democratic Party. His political roles include the following:
- Pioneer Head of Protocol of the APC, appointed in 2013
- Special Assistant to the National Secretary of the APC, appointed in 2014
- Special Adviser to the National Chairman of the APC, appointed in 2020
- Deputy National Publicity Secretary at the APC National Convention, held on March 26, 2022
This progression shows a steady rise through the APC’s national structure over nearly a decade before his move to the SDP.
Did Murtala Ajaka Run for Governor?
Yes. Murtala Ajaka ran as the SDP candidate in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, held on November 11, 2023. He had previously been an APC aspirant and a national APC official before securing the SDP nomination on May 20, 2022. His running mate for the election was Sam Abenemi.
The table below shows the final results of the 2023 Kogi State governorship election.
| Candidate | Party | Popular Vote | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmed Usman Ododo | APC | 446,237 | 57.04% |
| Murtala Ajaka | SDP | 259,052 | 33.11% |
| Dino Melaye | PDP | 46,362 | 5.93% |
This table lists the top three candidates in the 2023 Kogi governorship race, their party affiliation, their total votes, and their vote share, based on INEC’s official declaration.
Ahmed Usman Ododo of the APC won the election with a margin of about 24 percentage points over Ajaka. Ododo was declared governor-elect on November 12, 2023, by returning officer Professor Johnson Urama. Ajaka’s total of 259,052 votes placed him second, ahead of PDP candidate Dino Melaye, who came third with 46,362 votes.
What Businesses Does Murtala Ajaka Run?
Murtala Ajaka is an entrepreneur with business interests across several sectors. These sectors include the following:
- Oil and gas
- Power and energy
- Procurement services
- Consultancy
He chairs the boards of two companies:
- Yakubens Nigeria Ltd
- MMB Petroleum and Chemical Company Ltd
What Is Murtala Ajaka’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Murtala Ajaka’s net worth is estimated at approximately $300,000. This estimate reflects his combined career in politics, business, and community development.
What Is Murtala Ajaka Known For in Kogi State?
Murtala Ajaka is recognized as one of the well-known figures in Kogi State politics. He is known for his political career, his entrepreneurial achievements, and his commitment to community development. Despite losing the 2023 governorship race, he remains an active figure in Kogi State’s political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murtala Ajaka’s full name?
Murtala Ajaka’s full name is Murtala Yakubu Ajaka.
When was Murtala Ajaka born?
Murtala Ajaka was born on February 13, 1978.
Where is Murtala Ajaka from?
Murtala Ajaka is from Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Did Murtala Ajaka win the 2023 Kogi governorship election?
No. Murtala Ajaka lost the election to Ahmed Usman Ododo of the APC, who polled 446,237 votes against Ajaka’s 259,052.
What party does Murtala Ajaka belong to?
Murtala Ajaka contested the 2023 Kogi governorship election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), after previously serving in national roles within the APC.