BY IFEANYI UWAGWU/DINMA BIGWA/FAVOUR OLISEDEME
THE political atmosphere in Edo State is heating up as citizens prepare to head to the polls next Saturday, September 21, 2024, to elect a new governor. The race will see voters choose a successor to Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is set to complete his second term in office. Among the 17 candidates vying for the state’s highest office, three have emerged as the front-runners: Asue Ighodalo of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
PDP Candidate: Asue Ighodalo’s Prospects and Challenges
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, is a lawyer and politician hailing from Esan South East Local Government Area (LGA). He has chosen Osarodion Ogie as his running mate. The PDP has dominated the political scene in Edo since 1999, having produced key figures like Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, and the outgoing Governor Obaseki. Ighodalo’s candidacy represents continuity for the party, with a campaign platform promising widespread development under the slogan “Pathway to Prosperity for All.” The key elements of his manifesto include initiatives to improve security, education, healthcare, and rural development, particularly focusing on women and youth empowerment.
Ighodalo’s candidacy is unique in that he hails from Edo Central, a zone that has been politically marginalized in the state. Since Prof. Osunbor’s brief tenure of eight months, no one from Edo Central has occupied the Osadebe House. Ighodalo’s run offers an opportunity for the region to reclaim representation. However, the PDP’s internal divisions could threaten his chances. Many supporters of the embattled former deputy governor, Philip Shuaibu, are still disgruntled over his long-standing feud with Governor Obaseki. Shuaibu’s faction, sidelined during the party’s primaries, could undermine the unity of the PDP and weaken Ighodalo’s chances at the polls. Additionally, Shuaibu has expressed doubts about the PDP’s ability to win without his influence.
Despite these challenges, Ighodalo benefits from the PDP’s historical dominance and the advantages of incumbency, which include access to state resources and well-oiled political machinery. His focus on inclusivity and economic prosperity has resonated with many voters, and the party remains optimistic that it can retain control of the state.
Monday Okpebholo: APC’s Bid to Reclaim Edo
The All Progressives Congress (APC), which last governed Edo State in 2020, is looking to reclaim power through its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. A businessman and politician, Okpebholo currently represents Edo Central in the Senate. His running mate, Idahosa Dennis, brings a blend of political experience and fresh ideas, having served as a member of the House of Representatives.
Okpebholo’s campaign has focused on practical policies, including a promise to provide free transportation services to Edo residents, a key issue given the role of transportation in both economic and social mobility. The APC also hopes to capitalize on the support of disillusioned PDP members, especially those loyal to Philip Shuaibu. Okpebholo’s ability to unite these factions will be critical to the APC’s success in this election.
Hailing from Edo Central, Okpebholo is positioned to challenge the PDP’s dominance in the region. He also enjoys backing from the APC’s strong political network in Abuja, which could provide him with additional resources and influence. The APC’s campaign strategy will focus on reinvigorating their base, and they are banking on their national connections and grassroots appeal to mount a strong challenge.
Labour Party: Olumide Akpata’s Fresh Wave of Optimism
The Labour Party (LP) has seen a surge in popularity following its performance in the 2023 general elections, where its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won 12 out of 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State. Now, the party is fielding Olumide Akpata, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as its governorship candidate, alongside running mate Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and international arbitrator.
Akpata, a respected legal practitioner from Edo South, has energized the Labour Party’s campaign with a focus on economic revitalization, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social welfare. Despite internal leadership crises that have plagued the Labour Party, Akpata remains confident that he can replicate the party’s earlier success in the state. His candidacy has generated a wave of optimism, particularly among young voters and the “Obidient” movement, who seek an alternative to the traditional political establishment.
However, Akpata faces significant challenges. Both the PDP and APC have more established political structures and greater resources at their disposal. Additionally, the Labour Party’s internal divisions could limit his ability to mount a strong challenge. Still, Akpata’s fresh approach and the momentum from the 2023 elections could make him a dark horse in the race.
Gender Balance in the Election: Women Making Strides
Of the 18 parties fielding candidates for the Edo governorship race, only the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) have chosen women. PRP’s flagbearer, Mrs. Patience Ndidi, and ZLP’s running mate, Mrs. Joyce Idubor are both breaking ground in a male-dominated political landscape.
Mrs. Ndidi, the PRP candidate, sees herself as the “David” in a race of “Goliaths.” She argues that visionary leadership transcends gender and emphasizes the need to address key issues like unemployment, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure. Her candidacy brings a refreshing perspective to a political space traditionally dominated by men.
Security Preparations for the Election
Security has been a major concern in the lead-up to the Edo governorship election. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the deployment of 35,000 police officers to ensure the safety of voters and prevent electoral violence. An additional 8,000 personnel from other security agencies have also been mobilized. The police have suspended all private and state-owned security forces in the state, including the Edo State Security Network, to prevent interference during the election.
Despite these measures, Governor Obaseki has voiced fears that the election could turn violent, citing incidents of intimidation and arrests of PDP members. He accused the police of playing a partisan role, claiming that officers from the Inspector General’s office have been actively involved in detaining his party’s members without trial. These concerns have heightened tensions as the election day approaches.
The National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has been working to mediate peace among the candidates. While most parties have signed a peace accord, the PDP has expressed refusal due to the ongoing detentions. Governor Obaseki has insisted that his party’s members be released or tried in Edo State before agreeing to the accord.
INEC’s Readiness for the Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the public of its readiness to conduct a free and fair election in Edo State. More than 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been deployed across the state’s 4,519 polling units and 211 collation centres. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed confidence in the commission’s preparations, noting that 2,629,025 eligible voters have registered to participate in the election.
Yakubu’s visit to local government areas for a mock accreditation exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of the BVAS system, and he assured the electorate that the commission’s systems are in perfect condition for the election. He assured the people of Edo State that INEC is neutral in the race, and the choice of who becomes the next governor lies solely in the hands of the voters.
INEC has also appealed to all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and the media, to conduct themselves responsibly during the election. The commission is committed to protecting the integrity of the process and ensuring that the results reflect the will of the people.
Conclusion: A Highly Anticipated Election
With less than a week to go until Election Day, the stakes are high for the three leading candidates. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party each present distinct visions for Edo’s future. The election will not only determine the political direction of the state but also serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s evolving democratic process. Amidst heightened security concerns and widespread interest from both national and international observers, Edo voters are gearing up for what could be one of the most competitive elections in the state’s history.
