In a revealing interview with Channels Television on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Edward Onoja, the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, made a startling claim that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape. Onoja alleged that Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, had promised him in 2019 that he would be his successor as governor, only to renege on that commitment by selecting Usman Ododo as his preferred candidate in the 2023 gubernatorial election. The disclosure has sparked discussions about political loyalty, trust, and the dynamics of power transitions in Nigeria’s often volatile political environment.
Onoja’s comments, delivered with a mix of candor and disappointment, shed light on the behind-the-scenes machinations that often define political alliances and successions in Nigeria. The former deputy governor recounted how Bello, in a private conversation four years prior to the 2023 election, had explicitly assured him of the governorship mantle. “Four years before 2023, Yahaya Bello called me and said, ‘You will succeed me. Get prepared,’” Onoja recalled during the interview. The promise, he said, came at a time when their political partnership was at its peak, with Onoja serving as a trusted ally and confidant to Bello. The assurance, according to Onoja, gave him hope and a clear sense of direction as he prepared to take on the leadership of Kogi State.
However, the trajectory of events took an unexpected turn when Bello announced his decision to back Usman Ododo, the former Auditor General of Local Governments in Kogi State, as his preferred successor. Onoja described the moment he learned of Bello’s choice as both “shocking and disappointing.” He emphasized the weight of Bello’s promise, stating, “When a friend gives you his word, you expect him to be bound by it.” The sense of betrayal, he implied, stemmed not only from the broken promise but also from the personal and professional trust he had placed in Bello over the years.
The revelation has reignited debates about the fragility of political promises in Nigeria, where loyalty and alliances are often tested by ambition, expediency, and shifting power dynamics. Onoja’s public airing of his grievances marks a rare moment of transparency in a political system where such disputes are typically resolved behind closed doors or left unaddressed. His decision to speak out raises questions about the motivations behind Bello’s change of heart and the broader implications for political trust and governance in Kogi State.
A Long-Standing Political Partnership
To fully appreciate the weight of Onoja’s claims, it is essential to understand the history of his relationship with Yahaya Bello and their shared political journey in Kogi State. Edward Onoja, a seasoned administrator and politician, first rose to prominence in Kogi State politics as Bello’s Chief of Staff from January 2016 to October 2019. His appointment as Chief of Staff came shortly after Bello assumed office as governor in 2016, following a contentious election process marked by legal battles and the sudden death of Bello’s predecessor, Abubakar Audu.
Onoja’s role as Chief of Staff positioned him as one of Bello’s closest aides, entrusted with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the governor’s office and coordinating key policy initiatives. His tenure was marked by a reputation for loyalty, efficiency, and political astuteness, qualities that made him a central figure in Bello’s administration. Observers of Kogi politics often described Onoja as Bello’s right-hand man, a partner who played a critical role in stabilizing the administration during its early years.
In October 2019, Onoja’s loyalty was rewarded when he was appointed Deputy Governor of Kogi State, following the impeachment of the previous deputy governor, Simon Achuba, over allegations of disloyalty and financial misconduct. Onoja’s elevation to the deputy governorship was seen as a testament to his unwavering commitment to Bello’s vision for Kogi State. During his tenure as deputy governor from 2019 to 2024, Onoja was instrumental in advancing Bello’s agenda, which included infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and security reforms.
Throughout their partnership, Bello and Onoja presented a united front, often emphasizing their shared commitment to transforming Kogi State. Their collaboration was particularly significant in a state known for its ethnic diversity and complex political dynamics, where balancing the interests of various groups is a perennial challenge. Bello, from the Ebira ethnic group in Kogi Central, and Onoja, from the Igala-dominated Kogi East, represented a strategic alliance that sought to bridge ethnic divides and consolidate power within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in the state.
The Broken Promise and Its Context
Onoja’s claim that Bello promised him the governorship in 2019 must be viewed within the context of Kogi State’s political landscape and the dynamics of succession in Nigerian politics. Governorship successions in Nigeria are often carefully orchestrated, with incumbent governors wielding significant influence over the selection of their successors. This influence is typically exercised through the control of party structures, financial resources, and political networks.
In Kogi State, Yahaya Bello’s emergence as governor in 2016 was itself a product of political maneuvering. Bello, who was not the original candidate of the APC in the 2015 election, inherited the governorship following Audu’s death and a subsequent legal and political battle. His rise to power was seen as a break from the traditional dominance of Kogi East, which had produced most of the state’s governors since its creation in 1991. Bello’s administration, therefore, carried the burden of balancing ethnic and regional interests while consolidating his own political base.
Onoja’s expectation of succeeding Bello was not unreasonable, given his long-standing loyalty and his prominence within the administration. As deputy governor, he was well-positioned to assume the governorship, particularly as a representative of Kogi East, which had historically dominated the state’s politics. His appointment as deputy governor in 2019 was widely interpreted as a signal that Bello was grooming him for higher office, a common practice in Nigerian politics where deputy governors often emerge as frontrunners for the governorship.
However, Bello’s decision to back Usman Ododo, another Ebira from Kogi Central, as his successor in 2023, raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the motivations behind the choice. Ododo, who served as Auditor General of Local Governments, was relatively unknown compared to Onoja, whose visibility and influence in Kogi politics were well-established. Analysts suggest that Bello’s decision may have been influenced by a desire to maintain his political influence in Kogi State after leaving office, as Ododo was perceived as a loyal ally who would protect Bello’s legacy and interests.
The choice of Ododo also reignited debates about ethnic representation in Kogi State. Critics argued that Bello’s decision to support another Ebira candidate effectively sidelined Kogi East and Kogi West, the state’s other senatorial districts, in the power-sharing equation. This perceived marginalization fueled tensions within the APC and contributed to Onoja’s sense of betrayal, as he believed his loyalty and contributions to Bello’s administration warranted the governorship nomination.
Gratitude Amid Disappointment
Despite the disappointment of being overlooked for the governorship, Onoja was quick to express gratitude for the opportunities he had under Bello’s administration. During the Channels Television interview, he described his time working with Bello as “a great experience” that allowed him to “learn, grow, network, and get a national face.” Onoja’s acknowledgment of Bello’s role in his political career reflects a pragmatic approach to the situation, even as he voiced his grievances over the broken promise.
Onoja’s tenure as Chief of Staff and Deputy Governor provided him with a platform to build a formidable political profile. As Chief of Staff, he was instrumental in coordinating Bello’s policy initiatives, including the state’s security architecture, which earned praise for reducing incidents of communal violence and kidnapping. As Deputy Governor, Onoja championed education and youth empowerment programs, earning him a following among young people in Kogi State.
His national visibility, as he noted, was also a product of his close association with Bello, whose administration attracted significant attention due to its youth-centric policies and Bello’s own prominence as one of Nigeria’s youngest governors. Onoja’s ability to network with political and business leaders across the country further enhanced his stature, positioning him as a potential contender for higher office in the future.
The Broader Implications
Onoja’s allegations have far-reaching implications for Kogi State’s political landscape and Nigeria’s broader political culture. At the state level, the public disclosure of Bello’s unfulfilled promise has exposed fault lines within the APC in Kogi State. While Bello remains a powerful figure in the state’s politics, his decision to back Ododo over Onoja may have alienated a significant portion of his support base, particularly in Kogi East, where Onoja enjoys considerable influence.
The controversy also highlights the challenges of succession politics in Nigeria, where governors often face pressure to balance personal loyalty, ethnic considerations, and party dynamics when choosing their successors. Bello’s decision to prioritize a candidate from his own ethnic group has reignited debates about power rotation and inclusivity in Kogi State, a state with a history of ethnic tensions.
On a national level, Onoja’s claims underscore the fragility of political alliances in Nigeria. Promises and assurances, even when made in good faith, are often subject to the whims of political expediency. The public nature of Onoja’s allegations may encourage other politicians to speak out about similar experiences, potentially fostering greater accountability in political dealings. However, it could also deepen mistrust among political actors, as broken promises and shifting alliances remain a hallmark of Nigeria’s political system.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The Channels Television interview has generated significant buzz on social media platforms, particularly on X, where users have weighed in on Onoja’s claims. Some have expressed sympathy for Onoja, praising his loyalty to Bello and arguing that he deserved the governorship nomination. Others have criticized Bello for what they perceive as a betrayal of trust, with some accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over the broader good of Kogi State.
Political analysts have also chimed in, with many pointing to the incident as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on verbal promises in politics. “In Nigerian politics, loyalty is often a one-way street,” said Dr. Amina Ibrahim, a political scientist based in Abuja. “Onoja’s experience is a reminder that political promises are only as good as the circumstances that sustain them.”
Others have suggested that Onoja’s decision to go public with his grievances may be a strategic move to position himself for future political opportunities. By highlighting his contributions to Bello’s administration and his disappointment over the broken promise, Onoja may be appealing to a broader audience, particularly in Kogi East, where he remains a popular figure.
Looking Ahead
As Kogi State moves forward under Governor Usman Ododo’s administration, the fallout from Onoja’s allegations is likely to shape the state’s political dynamics in the coming years. For Onoja, the interview represents a turning point in his political career. While he has expressed gratitude for his time in Bello’s administration, his public airing of grievances suggests a willingness to chart an independent path.
Speculation is rife about Onoja’s next steps. Some analysts believe he may seek to contest the governorship in 2027, either under the APC or another political platform. His strong base in Kogi East, combined with his national visibility, makes him a formidable contender. However, he will need to navigate the complex ethnic and political dynamics of Kogi State, where power rotation remains a contentious issue.
For Yahaya Bello, the allegations pose a challenge to his legacy as a political kingmaker in Kogi State. While he remains a powerful figure within the APC, the public nature of Onoja’s claims may strain his relationships with other political allies. Bello’s decision to back Ododo was seen as a move to consolidate his influence, but it may have come at the cost of alienating key figures like Onoja.
Conclusion
Edward Onoja’s allegations against Yahaya Bello have opened a window into the intricate and often unpredictable world of Nigerian politics. His claim that Bello promised him the governorship, only to choose another candidate, speaks to the challenges of trust, loyalty, and succession in a system where personal ambition and political expediency often collide. While Onoja has expressed disappointment, his gratitude for the opportunities afforded by Bello’s administration reflects a nuanced perspective on his political journey.
As Kogi State grapples with the implications of this controversy, the broader lessons for Nigeria’s political class are clear: trust is a fragile commodity, and promises, no matter how sincere, are subject to the shifting tides of power. For now, Onoja’s story serves as a reminder of the high stakes and personal costs of political ambition, even for those who have risen to the pinnacle of state power.
