By Rejoice Peterside
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has urged political aspirants and stakeholders in Kogi State to prioritise peace, unity, patience and service to the people as political consultations and alignments continue ahead of future elections.
Bello gave the advice while receiving members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, during a meeting in Lokoja, where he spoke extensively on leadership, sacrifice, political maturity and the need to preserve the stability of the state’s political structure.
The meeting came amid increasing political activities and strategic consultations following the inauguration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Bello’s political ally and successor, who emerged victorious in the 2023 governorship election.
Bello, who governed Kogi State between 2016 and 2024 and remains one of the most influential political figures in the state, used the opportunity to remind politicians that politics should not be approached with desperation, bitterness or selfish ambition, but with a genuine desire to serve the people and leave behind a positive legacy.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Michael Ohiare, the former governor congratulated all aspirants who had obtained their expression of interest and nomination forms and encouraged them to remain calm and focused.
He stressed that every political office is temporary and that every leader, no matter how powerful, would one day leave the stage.
He said what remains after power is not the title held, but the impact made on society and the legacy built through service, integrity and compassion.
“Politics is transient and every leader will one day leave the stage,” Bello was quoted as saying.
He explained that many individuals are equally qualified to serve in leadership positions, but political realities often require patience, compromise and sacrifice for the greater good.
According to him, those who are fortunate to receive political opportunities must never forget the sacrifices made by others who stepped aside or supported them along the way.
He urged aspirants to show appreciation and respect to such individuals, stressing that political loyalty and goodwill should never be taken for granted.
Bello also addressed concerns around political endorsements and financial inducements, making it clear that nobody should pay money to secure support or endorsement from any political figure.
He warned against monetising political loyalty and directed anyone who may have been asked to make such payments to immediately demand a refund.
The former governor said leadership should be based on trust, competence and commitment to public service, not financial transactions or backdoor arrangements.
He further advised politicians to return to their constituencies and begin genuine reconciliation with stakeholders, party leaders and community members, noting that sustainable political success begins from the grassroots.
According to him, unity, inclusiveness and strong community relationships remain critical ingredients for electoral victory and long-term governance success.
He said politicians must learn to build bridges rather than create unnecessary divisions, especially at a time when citizens are looking for leaders who can unite people and deliver development.
Bello expressed confidence in the chances of the aspirants, adding that success at the polls should not only be achieved but must also be sustained through humility, dedication and consistent service to the people.
He added that leadership should be measured not by personal comfort or political power, but by the lives touched and the promises fulfilled.
Speaking on his own legacy, Bello stated that he wishes to be remembered as a “promise keeper,” someone who remains faithful to his words and commitments except in circumstances beyond human control.
He said trust remains one of the strongest foundations of leadership and that leaders must protect it at all costs.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Aliyu, praised Bello for laying the foundation of unity, stability and institutional cooperation during his administration.
He noted that the political harmony established under Bello’s government has continued to thrive and has even been strengthened under Governor Ododo’s administration.
Umar commended Bello for the trust and confidence he reposed in the Assembly during his tenure, stating that such support greatly enhanced the effectiveness and productivity of the lawmakers.
He said the Assembly remains grateful for the relationship built during Bello’s administration and reaffirmed its loyalty to both the former governor and the current government.
The Speaker also pledged the lawmakers’ continued support for Governor Ododo’s policies and development agenda, assuring that the House would continue to work for the progress of the state.
He further disclosed that while the Assembly had 25 members during Bello’s administration, several previously unrepresented constituencies have now been formally recognised, increasing the number of seats in the Kogi State House of Assembly to 36 ahead of the next elections.
As preparations for future elections continue, his message is expected to resonate strongly among aspirants and party stakeholders seeking direction in the evolving political climate of Kogi State.
