Struggle for who succeeds Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State takes a new twist – Details

The battle to succeed Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has taken a new turn. While some political commentators believe it is time for Kogi West to assume power, others believe the Central should serve out its 16-year term before moving on to other Senatorial districts in the state.

Track News examines the political machinations in Kogi State ahead of the Governorship Election on November 11, 2023.

Though Kogi State will not be participating in the February 2023 Governorship Election, which will be held across the country by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates, and stakeholders are already planning who will succeed Governor Bello in the November 2023 election.

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, three governors have come from Kogi East: Prince Abubabkar Audu, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, and Captain Idris Wada, while Alhaji Yahaya Bello (Kogi Central) and Chief Clarence Olafemi (Kogi West) have served as acting governors.

According to the Track News, the East has governed the State for 16 years (1999-2016), Kogi Central, (2016-date), and the West is still waiting their turn.

The 16-16-16 agitation arose as a result of this development. Some political stakeholders, including pundits, have argued that power should be retained in Kogi Central, arguing that since Kogi East has ruled the state for 16 years, it is time for the Central to do the same, while the West (Okun) should wait their turn.