- Edward Onoja disclosed that Yahaya Bello found him “too qualified” to be his successor
- Bello reportedly said Kogi East people did not favour Onoja due to his past support for a non-Igala
- Onoja expressed no regrets serving under Bello, praising the opportunities he received
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has disclosed the reasons why ex-Governor Yahaya Bello chose not to back him as his successor, despite earlier promises to do so.
Speaking during an interview on the Mic On podcast on Saturday, Onoja revealed that Bello cited his overqualification and political circumstances as reasons for overlooking him in favour of the current Governor, Usman Ododo.
“He called me physically and we spoke. He said, ‘Let’s send somebody else,’ and he gave some reasons,” Onoja said. “Surprisingly, he said my capacity was too much. Secondly, he said my people of Kogi East do not really like me because I supported a non-Igala — himself. Finally, he mentioned that there could be other roles for him at the centre, and he would love me to serve with him there.”
Onoja, who previously served as Bello’s Chief of Staff before being appointed Deputy Governor, stated that he harbours no resentment over the decision. Instead, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received while working under Bello.
“No regrets for serving with Yahaya Bello,” he said.
“There may have been some issues, but no regrets at all because he gave me the opportunity to serve, learn, grow, network, and gain national recognition.”
Onoja further revealed that Bello had encouraged him to prepare for succession years in advance. “He made some of us go pick up our forms. Four years before 2023, he called me and said, ‘You will succeed me, so get prepared.’ And of course, I planned and worked towards it,” he explained.
According to Onoja, several members of Bello’s cabinet were given the opportunity to vie for the governorship ticket. “About ten of us were involved, and seven picked up the nomination forms. But in the end, his heart was with the current governor, Usman Ododo.”
He recalled being informed of Bello’s final decision just a day before the primaries. “I told him, ‘You are the boss, you are over me, and what you see is what I see. But I hope you are not making a mistake.’”
Governor Usman Ododo eventually emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and succeeded Bello following the 2023 governorship election.
Judge exits courtroom in anger over disruptions amid Yahaya Bello’s trial
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Judge Maryanne Anenih walked out due to disruptions caused by supporters of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
Arguments intensified over the validity of bail for Yahaya Bello and his co-defendants, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposing the motion.
