Former Kogi Deputy Governor Edward Onoja Accuses Yahaya Bello of Betraying Succession Promise
Abuja, September 14, 2025 – Edward Onoja, the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, has publicly accused his ex-boss, Yahaya Bello, of going back on a promise to support him as the state’s next leader. Onoja claims Bello assured him for four years that he would succeed him as governor. But on the eve of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in 2023, Bello changed his mind. He picked Usman Ododo instead.
Onoja shared this story in a recent interview on Channels Television. He said the betrayal shocked him. Despite the hurt, he has no regrets about serving under Bello. The revelation has stirred up old political drama in Kogi State. It comes as the state heads into the 2027 elections. Many wonder if this will split the APC there.
Onoja’s Shocking Revelation: A Four-Year Promise Broken
Edward Onoja spoke openly during the interview. He said Bello first promised him the job in 2019. “Four years before 2023, Yahaya Bello called me and said, ‘You will succeed me. Get prepared,'” Onoja recalled. He said he worked hard to get ready. He planned and built support. But everything changed just one day before the APC primaries.
Onoja explained how Bello broke the news. He said Bello gave three reasons. First, Onoja’s skills were too big for Kogi. Bello thought he could aim higher, like federal roles. Second, people in Kogi East—Onoja’s home area—might not back him. They saw him as too close to Bello, who is from Kogi Central. Third, Bello wanted Onoja to join him in national politics later.
“I was shocked and disappointed,” Onoja said. “When a friend gives you his word, you expect him to keep it.” Despite the pain, Onoja stepped aside. He supported Ododo in the election. Ododo won and took over as governor in January 2024.
Onoja now serves on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC). He says he has no regrets. “Bello gave me chances to grow and gain a national face,” he added. But the broken promise still stings.
The Backstory: Onoja’s Rise Under Bello
Edward Onoja’s ties to Yahaya Bello go back years. He started as Bello’s Chief of Staff in 2016. This was during Bello’s first term. Onoja helped with planning and strategy. He was key in Bello’s 2019 re-election win. In 2020, Onoja became Deputy Governor. This came after the impeachment of Simon Achuba.
Many saw Onoja as Bello’s natural heir. He was loyal and capable. He came from Kogi East, balancing the state’s ethnic mix. Kogi has three zones: East, West, and Central. Power rotates among them. Bello, from Central, picked Ododo from West for 2023. This broke the pattern. It upset some in the East.
The 2023 primaries were tense. Other candidates ran too. They included Mohammed Abdulkareem Asuku, Bello’s Chief of Staff. And David Adebanji Jimoh. But Bello backed Ododo. Onoja and Asuku withdrew. They posted cryptic messages on social media. Onoja’s post thanked Bello but hinted at pain.
Ododo won the primary. He beat rivals easily. He then won the general election. His inauguration in January 2024 was smooth. Bello stayed influential. But Onoja moved on. He took the SEDC role in 2024. This is a federal job. It focuses on South-East development.
Why Did Bello Change His Mind? Onoja’s Take
Onoja gave more details in the interview. He said Bello saw him as overqualified. “He said my capacity was too much for Kogi,” Onoja quoted. Bello thought Onoja could handle bigger things. Like minister or senator.
Bello also worried about ethnic politics. Kogi East is mostly Igala. They might resent Onoja for backing Bello, a non-Igala. “My people do not like me because I supported him,” Bello allegedly said. Onoja disagreed. He believes his people support him.
Finally, Bello promised federal spots. “There could be other roles at the center,” he said. Onoja waited. But nothing came. This added to his disappointment.
Onoja said he did not fight back. “I accepted it,” he noted. “It was not yet time for me to be governor.” He backed Ododo fully. This helped the APC win.
Political Fallout: Tensions in Kogi APC
The claim has reopened old wounds. Kogi politics is tricky. Ethnic balance matters. The 2023 choice of Ododo sparked protests. Kogi East felt sidelined. They wanted Onoja. Protests hit Lokoja.
Bello’s influence lingers. He is a kingmaker. But critics say he plays favorites. Ododo faces his own issues. Economic woes and insecurity plague Kogi. Inflation is high. Farms suffer from herder-farmer clashes.
Onoja’s words could split the APC. As 2027 nears, rivals eye the seat. Onoja might run. Or back someone from the East. Party leaders call for unity. But trust is low.
Analysts say Bello’s flip hurt his image. “He built Onoja up, then dropped him,” one expert said. APC elders urge talks. They want to avoid a crisis.
Public and Expert Reactions
Social media lit up after the interview. On X, #OnojaBello trended in Nigeria. Posts split. Some backed Onoja. “Bello used him,” one wrote. Others defended Bello. “Politics is tough,” another said. Kogi users shared stories. They recalled 2023 drama.
Experts weighed in. Political analyst Dr. Fatima Ahmed called it “classic betrayal.” She said promises in Nigerian politics often break. “Loyalty is rare,” she added. Former aide Femi Adesina praised Onoja’s grace. “He stayed loyal,” Adesina said.
Bello has not responded. His team stays quiet. Ododo’s office called for peace. “We are one party,” a spokesman said.
Impacts on Kogi and Nigerian Politics
For Kogi residents, this stirs unrest. The state struggles. Unemployment is 35%. Youths want jobs. The succession fight distracts leaders. It could delay fixes.
Nationally, it shows APC issues. The party rules federally. But internal fights hurt. As 2027 looms, more dramas may come. Voters watch closely. They want stability.
For U.S. readers, it’s a lesson in global politics. Power plays happen everywhere. Ethnic ties shape votes. Like in U.S. states with diverse groups.
Economically, Kogi needs focus. Mining and farms could grow. But fights slow progress. Investors wait for calm.
Lifestyle-wise, Kogites hope for unity. Sports? Local teams suffer from unrest. Tech? Youths seek online jobs amid tension.
Conclusion: A Promise Unkept and Paths Ahead
Edward Onoja’s claim exposes a broken trust. Yahaya Bello promised him the governorship. But he chose Ododo at the last minute. Onoja feels betrayed. Yet he harbors no hate. He eyes future roles.
This saga tests Kogi APC. Unity is key for 2027. Bello’s silence adds mystery. Onoja’s grace earns respect. As Nigeria watches, the state must heal. Politics demands loyalty. But broken words leave scars.