Onoja Says Yahaya Bello Denied Him Succession Promise

Former deputy governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has disclosed how ex-governor Yahaya Bello backed out of a long-standing assurance that he would hand over power to him.

Onoja, who served as Bello’s close ally from 2015 until the end of his administration, said the reversal came as a shock.

Speaking on a podcast, Onoja revealed that Bello privately informed him that he would not support his governorship bid despite earlier promises. According to him, Bello argued that his capacity was beyond the office of governor, claimed that his people from Kogi East did not fully support him, and suggested that there were federal opportunities where he could be more useful.

Onoja admitted the decision was painful because he had relied on Bello’s repeated assurances of succession. He described it as disappointing, noting that when a friend gives his word, one expects him to keep it.

Despite his frustration, Onoja said he chose not to fight the decision. He accepted it as a matter of timing and destiny, adding that he believed a bigger role might still lie ahead for him.

The former deputy governor explained that he remained committed to the All Progressives Congress during the election, working for the party’s candidate, Governor Usman Ododo, who eventually emerged as Bello’s successor.

Onoja, who had served as Bello’s chief of staff before becoming deputy governor, reflected on the episode as a lesson in politics and loyalty, insisting that he has since moved on from the setback.