Victor Ezeja
As Edo people go to the polls today, 21st September to elect their next governor for the next four years, there is a palpable air of anxiety pervading the political landscape of the South-south state.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there are 2,249,780 registered voters in Edo State with 85.57% of them having collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) while 379,245 (14.43%) of the PVCs were not collected.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Commission also disclosed that there are 4,519 Polling Units in the State where voting will take place.
The electoral body also informed that accreditation and voting shall commence at 8:30 am and close at 2:30 pm on election day, “provided that all voters already on the queue by 2:30 pm shall be allowed to accredit and vote.”
Security measure by Police
As part of measures to having a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process today, during the election, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Friday, ordered restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on Election Day with the exception of those providing essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.
The IGP also ordered a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres.
Three horse-race election
Although 17 political parties fielded
candidates for the election, there appears to be three major parties leading in the contest, which makes the exercise a three-horse race. The leading candidates are Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
Typical of general election campaigns in Nigeria, that of Edo was not different as political parties and candidates were throwing verbal jabs, and all forms of maneuvers to outwit one’s opponent.
Given the political atmosphere during the campaigns, the election will be a keenly contested one by the leading candidates.
Issues that may play a role in the election
As Edo residents go to the polls, there are key issues that may likely shape the outcome of the governorship election.
The PDP’s Asue Ighodalo
Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer and economist has the backing of the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, who has been vigorously campaigning for him, to ensure that PDP retains the governorship seat.
READ ALSO: Oshiomhole, Obaseki Power Struggle Resonates As Edo People Go To The Polls
The PDP candidate with his gift of eloquence and erudition, has been selling his manifesto, detailing what he intends to do when elected. Having received endorsement from some groups, his choice of running mate, Osarodion Ogie, who has large followers, and also counting on the backing of his godfather Obaseki, there appears to be some issues that may not favour his aspiration. One is the talks about deploying federal might in favour of the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, another is that Ighodalo has automatically inherited all enemies of Obaseki, as he is seen as one who would continue in the direction of his predecessor.
APC’s Okpebholo
On the other hand, the APC candidate Okpebholo was projected by Oshiomhole to win the 2024 governorship election and enable the APC take back the state.
Okpebholo, is currently representing Edo Central senatorial district in the national assembly. His major challenge, especially during the campaign was poor articulation, leading to some gaffes that opponents equally latched onto in criticising his suitability for the position
Olumide Akpata
Akpata, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, was elected candidate of his party through a free and fair primaries not by any form of imposition. He comes from a zone that has the highest number of registered voters in the state.
Akpata is also riding on the back of the wave of Labour Party popularity, especially beginning from 2023. This is coupled with the open support of the party leader, Mr Peter Obi, who participated in his campaigns for vote.
However, one of the issues identified as a challenge for his quest is the notion that there is a zoning arrangement in the state and under the principle, the central zone suppose to produce the next governor because the zone had hot had one before, except Osunbor, who spent some months in before his removal from office by the court.
Despite the perceived strength and weaknesses of the leading candidates, each expresses confidence in winning the election.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
