By Ayomide Otitoju
On Saturday, September 21st, 2024, millions of voters in Edo State will head to the polls to elect a new governor, as Governor Godwin Obaseki prepares to leave office after completing his two-term tenure. The election, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will see 17 candidates compete for the top position at Dennis Osadebay House in Benin City.
Obaseki, who initially won the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016, switched to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after internal conflicts within his former party and secured re-election in 2020. With Obaseki’s leadership coming to a close in November, Edo voters will decide his successor from a diverse field of contenders.
Profiles of Major Contenders:
Monday Okpebholo (APC): Representing the main opposition APC, Senator Okpebholo, a serving senator from Edo Central, is campaigning on promises to tackle insecurity, improve education, and enhance infrastructure. He emerged as the party’s candidate after a
tumultuous primary election and selected Dennis Idahosa as his running mate to consolidate party unity.
Asue Ighodalo (PDP): Backed by the incumbent governor, Ighodalo is a lawyer and former economic adviser to ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole. His campaign, “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” focuses on economic development. Ighodalo’s legal background and strong political connections, combined with Governor Obaseki’s support, make him one of the frontrunners in the race.
Olumide Akpata (LP): A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akpata is running under the Labour Party (LP). Banking on the party’s strong showing in Edo State during the 2023 presidential election, Akpata aims to bring fresh leadership and challenge the dominance of PDP and APC. His manifesto focuses on economic reforms and infrastructure development.
Other Candidates:
In addition to these three key contenders, several others are in the race, including:
Tom Iseghohi (AA), a candidate with a West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate.
Aner Abdullahi Aliu (SDP), who has expressed his party’s commitment to transforming Edo State.
Azena Azemhe Friday (NNPP), a cleric with the Omega Fire Ministries.
Osifo Isiah (APGA), a former chief of staff and local government chairman.
Candidates from smaller parties such as the AAC, APP, and ZLP are also in the race, promising to bring fresh ideas and change to the state.
INEC and the Election:
INEC has cleared all 17 parties for the election, which will take place across 4,519 polling units in the state’s 18 local government areas. With the political landscape highly competitive, all eyes are on the election outcome, as Edo State prepares for a new chapter of governance.
The next governor will inherit a state rich in history but facing modern challenges, and voters will be choosing who they believe is best suited to lead Edo into the future.
