Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has endorsed Smart Adeyemi, senator representing Kogi West senatorial district as his successor, Daily Independent has gathered.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who confirmed the development to our correspondent on Monday said the governor, who is nursing presidential ambition in 2023 has already instructed his key loyalists to start mobilisation for Adeyemi in their respective local governments.
Adeyemi, a three-time senator was the Director- General of the Bello/Onoja campaign in the election that ushered in Yahaya Bello for a second term.
According to our source, the governor, who is from Kogi Central senatorial district believes that it is time for Kogi West to produce the governor as Kogi East has had a fair share since return of democratic rule in 1999.
“The governor’s eyes is already set on the 2023 presidential election. At the same time, he has also started putting plans in place to work for the emergence of a worthy successor who will continue his lofty agenda for the people of the state”.
“I can authoritatively inform you that the governorship position is rotating to Kogi West and Senator Smart Adeyemi is GYB’s choice for now. Things may change tomorrow as 2023 is still a long time away”.
When contacted, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Onogwu Muhammed said the report is nothing but rumour that should be discarded as only God can determine his principal’s successor.
“The governor does not have the power to decide his successor except Almighty God. So, any report about him nominating a successor is a rumour that should be discarded in the dustbin”.
Also speaking, Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, said as a key loyalist of the governor, the only instruction given to him by Governor Bello is to work hard for the people.
“I am a key loyalist of the Governor and all he had told me is to work hard for the people. He is not thinking of 2023 now. Thanks Editor” he said.
