In the gubernatorial election, Usman Ododo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, emerged victorious over competitors Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Muri Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). 

Following this, Governor Bello, expressing frustration with his cabinet members during a closed-door meeting in Lokoja, vowed to overcome any hindrance to his progress, even going so far as to declare his willingness to cut off his fingers. 

Accusing several allies of betrayal due to his choice of Ododo as his successor, Bello labeled them ‘enemies within’ conspiring with opposition parties to undermine him. 

He sternly cautioned against leaders threatening subordinates, asserting he would take severe action against such behavior.

He said, “All of those disgruntled elements moved against him (Ododo) after everything I did for them. I was fighting known enemies while enemies within were pulling me down. God punish you all.

“They said if it can’t be me, then it can’t be Ododo. They were busy conniving and conspiring with the opposition. They call themselves leaders but were misleading the people. Shame on you all.

The Governor also pointed a direct finger at a Senator from the state whom he said was wrecked by his brothers before he revived him from his alleged financial bankruptcy.

“Today, you are a second-term serving senator. You were laughing with us while you went behind to text opposition messages to hinder our party from having 25 per cent in some local governments,” he added.