By Ismaeel Aleem
Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, has revealed that ex-governor Yahaya Bello assured him of succession for four years, only to withdraw support on the eve of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in 2023, paving the way for Usman Ododo’s emergence as the party’s candidate.
Onoja, who now serves as a board member of the South-East Development Commission, shared the details during an interview on the MIC ON Podcast released on Saturday.
He recounted his journey from Chief of Staff to Bello’s deputy, highlighting how his former principal repeatedly encouraged him to prepare for the top job throughout their tenure.
“For four years before 2023, he (Yahaya Bello) was the one who called me and said, ‘You will succeed me, get prepared.’ And of course, I planned, I worked, and when it was time, he allowed all of us to contest,” Onoja said.
He explained that Bello directed about seven cabinet members, including himself, to purchase APC nomination forms, fostering a sense of collective ambition within the administration.
However, Onoja disclosed that Bello’s true preference leaned toward Ododo, the current governor.
“At the end of the day, his heart and his choice were with the current governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,” he stated.
The pivotal moment came just a day before the primaries, when Bello informed Onoja of the shift in plans.
Despite his disappointment, Onoja expressed acceptance and loyalty. “When he broke the news to me a day before the primaries, I told him, ‘You are the boss, you are over me, what you see is what I see, so let’s go get the job done, but I hope you are not making a mistake.’
There were no issues, and then we went to the field and did our best for our candidate,” he added.
Onoja emphasised his unwavering commitment to the APC, noting that he supported Ododo’s victory in the November 2023 governorship election.
