Former Kogi State Deputy Governor Edward Onoja has revealed the reasons behind former Governor Yahaya Bello’s decision not to select him as his successor. In a recent interview on the Mic On podcast, Onoja disclosed that Bello had initially promised to support his candidacy but later reneged on this promise.
According to Onoja, Bello cited three key reasons for his decision to choose Governor Usman Ododo over him. Firstly, Bello stated that Onoja’s capacity and qualifications were too extensive, implying that he might be too powerful a figure to succeed him. Secondly, Bello claimed that Onoja’s support for a non-Igala candidate had alienated him from his own people in Kogi East. Lastly, Bello suggested that he envisioned alternative roles for Onoja at the national level, which would enable them to work together.
Onoja, who previously served as Bello’s Chief of Staff before being appointed Deputy Governor, expressed no regrets about his time serving under the former governor. He acknowledged that Bello had provided him with valuable opportunities for growth, networking, and national recognition. Onoja also recalled that Bello had encouraged him to prepare for the governorship role as early as four years prior to the 2023 elections.
However, when the time came for Bello to make his decision, he ultimately chose to support Ododo’s candidacy. Onoja reported that he had accepted Bello’s decision, stating that as his superior, Bello’s judgment took precedence. Onoja did express some reservations, hoping that Bello was not making a mistake by passing him over for the role.
The incident sheds light on the complex dynamics at play in Nigerian politics, where alliances and power struggles can significantly influence decision-making. As the country navigates its complex political landscape, the relationships between key figures like Onoja and Bello will likely remain under scrutiny. With Onoja’s revelations, the public now has a deeper understanding of the factors that contributed to Bello’s decision, and the implications of this choice will likely continue to unfold in the weeks and months to come.
