Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Thursday unveiled his preferred successor, Usman Ododo, a former Auditor-General of the state.
This has therefore foreclosed the chances of the Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja.
Onoja, his strong ally, first served as Chief of Staff and later became Deputy Governor after the impeachment of Simon Achuba in 2019.
The deputy governor was among many aspirants that had declared interest in the coveted seat.
But, all ended when the governor reportedly announced his preference for Ododo at a stakeholders’ meeting which was held at the party’s secretariat in Lokoja, the state capital, on Thursday.
Aside from Onoja, Mohammed Abdulkareem Asuku, Chief of Staff to the Governor Yahaya Bello; David Adebanji Jimoh; a former Commissioner, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris; and Okala Yakubu, were among those who indicated interest to succeed Bello.
But all that changed immediately the governor made known his preferred successor.
According to findings, most of the Aspirants at the meeting threw in the towel immediately the governor disclosed his preference for Ododo.
Onoja and Asuku posted cryptic messages on social media.
“To God be the glory for life and divine health. My appreciation to my leader, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello and all my supporters for your love and prayers. Let love , patience and perseverance lead. I Am forever grateful,” Onoja wrote.
On his part, Asuku posted, “Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah !!Alhamdulillah !!!
All praises and adoration are due to the most high God the greater of the entire universe and the sustainer of same who have safeguard my life and that of my immediate family and well wishers to witness this moment in my life. I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, my benefactor, for all that Allah have been using him to do in my life.
“As such, I hereby submit myself publicly to the decision taken today and I will forever live to remain loyal and dedicated to the decision of my party as I enjoin all my well wishers to work with us for our great party APC to become victorious in the November 11th General Election.”
The governor reportedly told all the aspirants to write withdrawal letters, but only Ododo did not write the letter, according to a party chieftain.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the APC governorship primary Election committee, Zamfara state Governor, Mohammed Bello Matawale, said other aspirants who have not withdrawn from the race were free to participate in the primary election.
