In the aftermath of the Kogi state governorship election on November 11, Outgoing Governor Yahaya Bello has unleashed a verbal tirade against members of his cabinet, including commissioners, whom he accuses of betrayal.
The All Progressives Congressive (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo, emerged victorious in the election, defeating rivals Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Muri Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Bello, addressing APC stakeholders in a closed-door meeting in Lokoja on Saturday, November 18, expressed his ire towards cabinet members, labeling them as ‘enemies within.’
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His frustration stems from what he perceives as their betrayal due to his endorsement of Ododo as his successor, despite his previous support for them.
Yahaya Bello Expressed His Anger While Meeting With APC Stakeholders
During the meeting, Bello lashed out, stating, “All of those disgruntled elements moved against me after everything I did for them. I was fighting known enemies while enemies within were pulling me down. God punish you all.” He accused his former allies of colluding with opposition parties, dubbing them misleading leaders.
Bello issued a stern warning, asserting that any leaders threatening their subordinates would face severe consequences. He singled out a senator from the state, alleging that the senator had been revived from financial bankruptcy by Bello himself.
“Today, you are a second-term serving senator. You were laughing with us while you went behind to text opposition messages to hinder our party from having 25 per cent in some local governments,” he added.
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The governor’s vow to punish those he perceives as disloyal sets the stage for potential internal strife within the APC in Kogi state.
As the political landscape adjusts to the election outcome, Bello’s strong words signal a turbulent aftermath with repercussions for the political dynamics in the region.
