I’ll be running for senate to help Ododo – Yahaya Bello

Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, says Usman Ododo, governor of the state, asked him to take on a new political responsibility by representing the Ebira people at the national level.

Bello spoke on Monday at the palace of Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

Ododo was among the dignitaries present.

“We thank God that we’re in a good period up until now and going forward,” Bello said.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his role in “strengthening unity within the ruling party”, saying no individual could do everything alone and that leadership requires continuity.

“I thank President Bola Tinubu for his thoughts on making our party stronger and united and peaceful and with mutual respect,” he said.

Bello added that Tinubu handpicked him from among several former officeholders because he currently occupies no political position.

“And he thought from all the people he has, about 14 or 15, it is me, the only former not holding any position now, he put me in their middle,” he said.

He said the president showed special consideration to Ododo, describing the governor as Tinubu’s political child who has unfettered access to him.

“I thank him for taking our governor, Usman Ododo, as his child, and if he requests to see him, he has his attention and listens to him,” Bello said.

The former governor said he served according to divine providence and acknowledged that the political journey ahead remains long.

“God gave me the opportunity and I served within the capacity God wanted me to, and I know the journey left is long,” he said.

Bello said Ododo asked him to shoulder part of the burden of leadership because of what he described as unresolved challenges facing the Ebira people.

“What I see the governor saying is that there is still more work and he is thinking of who he can depend on because of what is lacking for Ebira people,” he said.

He spoke about Ododo wanting a dependable ally who would command respect and even fear in political circles.

“He needs a good helper, one that if not liked, will be feared,” Bello said.

According to Bello, the governor said the task was not necessarily about ambition but about easing the weight of governance.

“It’s not that his boss must go to the senate, no, the load is too heavy, and he needs someone whose words will be respected and listened to where decisions are made,” he said.

Speaking metaphorically in Ebira, Bello said Ododo asked him to represent the people at the level where “ozi ewurehi ina” (19 people) gather to make decisions affecting Nigeria.

“Ewurehi ina” literally means 19, but in context, refers to the 109 senators of the national assembly.

“You cannot like me without liking Ododo, and if you like Ododo and you don’t like me, no problem,” he said.

He said he could not refuse the call if it reflected the wishes of his political children and grandchildren.

“So, if they say this is the way they want me to go, can I say no, no, I can’t say no,” Bello said.

There have been reports that the former governor is considering a bid for the senatorial seat currently occupied by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The senator recently dismissed claims that she is intimidated by Bello, recalling her victory over candidates backed by the ex-governor in the 2023 elections.

She said she is not afraid of facing Bello in the 2027 senatorial contest.

“Let me make this very clear: I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.