Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi of state has dumped his loyal deputy, Edward Onoja as his successor. The youthful governor is stepping down from office in November this year after a successful eight-year term, and inititial suggestion among some of his aides indicate that he would support Onoja, the Deputy Governor to take over from him.
That’s not to be. The governor has made a uturn on the choice of his successor, and is now supporting the state’s Auditor General, Ahmed Ododo.
The magazine learned that Governor Bello made his decision to support Ododo known to Onoja and others who showed interest to be governor at a meeting he held with all the All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirants on Thursday.
The meeting also came ahead the APC governorship primaries today. The ruling party, the magazine learned from competent sources has decided to adopt the direct primary option in order to avoid crisis that may result from holding an indirect primary.
The Source learned from APC stalwarts in the state that Governor Bello, as the leader of the party, specifically demand that direct primary be held in chosing the party’s candidate in the govrnorship election slated for the later part of the year, in order to ensure that Ododo picked the ticket without any rancour.
From all indications, Onoja who once served as Governor Bello ‘s Chief of Staff has accepted his fate. To show that he does not want to rock the boat, Onoja has issued a statement supporting the governor’s decision not to back him for the top job.
“To God be the glory for life and divine health. My appreciation to my leader, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and all my supporters for your love and prayers. Let love, patience and perseverance lead. I am forever grateful,” Onoja said yesterday after the meeting with the governor.
Apart from Onoja, other aspirants who have now shelved their ambitions are Mohammed Asuku, current chief of staff, David Adebanji Jimoh; a former Commissioner for Finance, Ashiru Idris; Okala Yakubu, amongst others.
The governorship election is slated for November 11 by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
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