Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has clarified that he is not related by blood to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 11 election in the state, Usman Ododo. Bello emphasized that Ododo emerged as the candidate based on merit through a free and fair election, dismissing opposition propaganda that suggested they were cousins.
Speaking at a seminar for political and crime correspondents/editors in Abuja, Governor Bello highlighted the importance of breaking away from ethnic sentiments that had hindered progress in Kogi State for 19 years. He stressed that his administration focused on appointing and working with competent individuals rather than selecting people based on tribal affiliations.
Governor Bello also addressed allegations of the destruction of campaign offices belonging to the Kogi Central senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the 2023 National Assembly election. He assured that his party’s candidate, Usman Ododo, was the most popular and loved candidate and would not engage in activities that could disrupt the election.
The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining security in the state and stated that his government would not be distracted from its path of peace.