Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has opened up about why former Governor Yahaya Bello did not support him to succeed him as governor in the 2023 elections.
Speaking during an interview on the Mic On podcast, Onoja revealed that Yahaya Bello told him directly that he was “too qualified” to be his successor. He also mentioned that Bello gave two other reasons for choosing the current governor, Usman Ododo, instead of him.
According to Onoja, Bello said his (Onoja’s) political strength and background may overshadow the legacy he intended to leave behind.
“He called me physically and we spoke,” Onoja said.
“He said my capacity was too much. Secondly, he said my people from Kogi East don’t really like me because I supported a non-Igala, himself. Lastly, he said there could be opportunities at the federal level, and he would want me to work with him there.”
Onoja, a close political ally of Bello, served as his Chief of Staff before becoming Deputy Governor. He was seen as a strong contender and likely successor due to his deep involvement in the administration.
He revealed that Bello had earlier promised him the ticket, asking him to prepare himself well in advance.
“Four years before 2023, he called me and said I would succeed him,” Onoja recalled.
“I started preparing and when the time came, he allowed several of us to pick up the forms. About ten of us showed interest, seven of us from the cabinet.”
Despite his earlier assurance, Bello eventually backed Usman Ododo, the then Auditor-General of Local Government, who went on to become the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer and eventually won the governorship election.
Onoja said Bello informed him of his decision just a day before the party’s primary election.
“When he broke the news to me, I told him, ‘You are the boss, you’re above me. What you see is what I see. But I hope you are not making a mistake.’”
Onoja, however, said he holds no bitterness towards his former boss. According to him, Bello gave him opportunities many others never had and helped him build a national profile.
“No regrets for serving with Yahaya Bello. Yes, there could be issues, but no regrets at all,” he said.
“He gave me a platform to serve, grow, network, and become known nationally.”
Edward Onoja, who hails from Kogi East (Igala region), had been seen by some political observers as a bridge-builder between different zones of the state. His rejection sparked conversations about ethnic politics in Kogi, especially the choice of Ododo from Kogi Central, same zone as Bello.
