US EditionKogi: I was Yahaya Bello’s chief strategist, not cabal — Ex-Deputy Gov Onoja
Edward Onoja revealed that former Governor Yahaya Bello withdrew his support for Onoja's governorship bid in 2023, citing concerns over Onoja's capacity and local political dynamics.
- On September 13, 2025, Edward Onoja, who previously served as Deputy Governor of Kogi State and was a key advisor to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello, made public statements regarding his political role.
- Onoja revealed Bello assured him for years to prepare for succession but later shifted support to Usman Ododo before the 2023 APC primaries.
- Onoja denied being part of a ruling cabal, admitted it was painful to accept being sidelined, and confirmed he worked loyally for Ododo's victory.
- Bello told Onoja that his abilities were overwhelming and that Kogi East residents disapproved of him for supporting a non-Igala candidate, which resulted in his replacement by Ododo.
- Despite the setback, Onoja holds no grudge, remains loyal to APC, serves on the South East Development Commission board, and moved on from the broken promise.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Onoja: What I told Yahaya Bello after realising he chose...
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has opened up on the succession battle in the administration under which he once served as Chief of Staff. Speaking on the Mic on Podcast, Onoja said he took serious interest in governing Kogi after Bello told him to prepare for the position. He said about seven members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) purchased the ruling party’s nomination after the former governor instructed them to. “…
Yahaya Bello promised to make me governor, but betrayed me for Ododo - Onoja
Edward Onoja, former deputy governor of Kogi State, has opened up about how ex-governor Yahaya Bello repeatedly assured him that he would be his successor. Speaking on Mic On Podcast on Saturday, Onoja said Bello gave him his word for four years that he would hand over to him at the end of his tenure. The former deputy governor recalled how Bello urged him to “get prepared” for the role, a promise that shaped his political plans. “For four years…
Yahaya Bello betrayed me for Ododo in Kogi succession battle - Edward Onoja
For four years before 2023, he (Bello) was the one who called me and said, ‘You will succeed me, get prepared,’” Mr Onoja said The post Yahaya Bello betrayed me for Ododo in Kogi succession battle – Edward Onoja appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Kogi: I was Yahaya Bello’s chief strategist, not cabal — Ex-Deputy Gov Onoja
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has disclosed that he was the Chief Strategist to former Governor Yahaya Bello. Onoja disclosed that he was the Chief Strategist behind many planners for Yahaya Bello while in office. He made the revelation while appearing on Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye on Saturday. Onoja dismissed the popular notion that he was the cabal that ruled behind Bello with an iron fist. He said: “When you say…
Yahaya Bello Backed Me for Four Years, Withdrew Support on Eve of APC Primaries - Edward Onoja — Akelicious
A former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has said that ex-Governor Yahaya Bello assured him for four years that he would succeed him, only to withdraw the support on the eve of the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries. Onoja, who now serves as a board member of the South-East Development Commission, made the revelation during an interview on the MIC ON Podcast released on Saturday. Onoja, who once served as Chief of Staf…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
