Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has opened up about what he described as a shocking political betrayal by his former principal, ex-Governor Yahaya Bello, in the build-up to the 2023 governorship election.
Speaking during a podcast interview with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Onoja revealed that Bello had personally assured him, four years earlier, that he would succeed him as governor of the state.
“Four years before 2023, Yahaya Bello called me and said, ‘You will succeed me. Get prepared,’” Onoja said.
He explained that the assurance gave him confidence and a sense of loyalty, only for Bello to later endorse Ahmed Usman Ododo as his preferred successor.
“It was shocking and disappointing when he told me he had chosen Ododo, because when a friend gives you his word, you expect him to be bound by it,” Onoja added.
Onoja, who was once considered one of Bello’s closest allies and political confidants, suggested that the turn of events strained their long-standing friendship and political partnership.
The former deputy governor’s revelations have further fueled discussions about the internal dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi, especially regarding Bello’s influence in determining his successor.
Ahmed Usman Ododo eventually emerged as the APC candidate, won the November 2023 election, and was sworn in as Governor of Kogi State in January 2024.
Onoja’s remarks are already generating reactions within Kogi political circles, with some seeing them as a reflection of the deep personal and political rifts left in the wake of Bello’s succession plan.
