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On Saturday, Sep. 21, 2024, Edo State will hold its gubernatorial election, with a diverse slate of candidates vying for the top position.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 17 contenders from different political parties are in the race for governor. This wide field offers voters a variety of options, though many might only be familiar with a handful of these candidates due to varying levels of media exposure.
Here’s a rundown of all 17 candidates competing to lead Edo State and the parties they represent.
- Iseghohi Tom (AA)
Tom Iseghohi is a Nigerian businessman with an extensive corporate background, including serving as the Group Managing Director of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria until 2014 and as the Chairman of Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Ltd. Additionally, Mr Iseghohi has held executive positions at American Express Co. He earned an MBA from Bethune-Cookman University and a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University.
The 60-year-old is contesting under the Action Alliance party, with Onaiwu Mabel as his running mate.
- Udoh Oberaifo (AAC)
Udoh Oberaifo is a Business Management Consultant conversant in SME & Start-up Strategy, Business Data Analyst and Wealth Management Advisor.
He is Presently the Group Managing Director of VINES REALTY, real estate company in Lagos State, Nigeria.
With Osunde Lord as his running mate, 37-year-old Mr Oberaifo is vying for the apext position with the ticket of the Africa Action Congress (AAC).
- Izedonmwen Derek (ADC)
Izedonmwen Derek is the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Mr Derek, 47, is a trained engineer with sustainable development, transparency and accountability governance as the core of his campaign.
Mr Derek is running alongside his deputy, Osagie Philip.
- Monday Okpebholo (APC)
Monday Okpebholo is a Nigerian businessman and candidate representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its governorship candidate for the Edo State election set for September 21, 2024.
Before his gubernatorial ambition, Mr Okpebholo was elected as a senator representing the Edo Central senatorial district in February 2023. Mr Okpebholo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Benin. He later pursued his Master’s degree in Public Administration from the same university.
The 53-year-old is running with Idahosa Dennis as his running mate. Their campaign is built around tackling key issues such as insecurity, economic development, and infrastructure deficiencies in Edo State.
- Osifo Isaiah (APGA)
Osifo Isaiah, the gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), brings an academic background to his campaign.
The 64-year-old is a professor with PhD in Political Science. He is a former Chief of Staff to ex-governor Oserheimen Osunbor and his campaign centres on his “Edo for Democracy” vision, addressing the perceived lack of true democratic governance in the state.
One of his notable promises is to plant 500,000 trees in his first year and increase that number to 1 million by the second year as part of his environmental strategy.
- Osiriame Edeipo (BP)
Osiriame Edeipo, the gubernatorial candidate for the Boot Party (BP), stands out in the upcoming 2024 Edo State elections for his emphasis on peaceful and credible electoral processes.
While the 47-year-old is campaigning as a candidate from a smaller party, and faces the challenge of competing against more established political entities, his unwavering commitment to peace and ethical leadership could attract voters who are eager for a shift from traditional political practices in Edo State.
- Olumide Akpata (LP)
Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming election, is a seasoned legal professional with a distinguished career.
Mr Akpata has made history as the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association in nearly 30 years.
However, his candidacy for governor has faced challenges, particularly from Kenneth Imansuangbon, a fellow Labour Party aspirant, who filed legal suits alleging violations of party guidelines during the primaries.
These internal party disputes could impact Akpata’s campaign, but his platform focuses on economic empowerment and governance reform, leveraging his legal expertise to advocate for justice and transparency in Edo State.
Alongside Alufohai Oluyinka, the 51-year-old is set to compete with other candidates on Saturday.
- Ighodalo Asuerinme (PDP)
Ighodalo Asuerinme, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate is a seasoned lawyer known for his contributions to economic governance.
With experience advising governments and serving on company boards, Mr Asuerinme’s political platform emphasises state security, food security, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and healthcare access.
Despite legal challenges, Ighodalo’s candidacy was upheld by a recent court ruling, solidifying his position as a serious contender for the governorship. He is running alongside Ogie Osarodun.
- Patience Key (PRP)
Patience Key, 50, is the candidate representing the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). She hails from Igueben Local Government Area, Edo State.
Ma Key, is a United States-based healthcare professional and a former chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations, America (USA)
She is one of the few female contestants in the Edo election race.
- Azena Friday (NNPP)
Azena Friday is the governorship candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Mr Friday is a preacher and revivalist born on Dec. 25, 1979, in Okpella town. He serves as the Southern Region 2 Head Pastor, overseeing over 120 local churches, and coordinates the Europe churches under the leadership of Apostle Prof. and Rev. Dr. Lizzy Johnson Suleman.
In addition to his spiritual role, Mr Azena hosts several TV programs, including Crime Watch on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) and Turning Point on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) etc.
- Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena (ZLP)
Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena candidate of the Zenith labour party ahead of the 2024 Edo governorship election hails from Iviukwe community in Etsako East local government of Edo state.
In 2016 he contested for the governorship election against Governor Obaseki and 18 others. In 2020, young Akhalamhe also contested against the Governor and others.
Mr Akhalamhe is a proud product of the great university of Benin and Freedom University, USA. He is a PhD holder, Accounting scholar, strategic business management expert, educationist, Author of 21 Books, research fellow (FCSI), resource person, Mobile library, erudite academic pundit and policy analyst.
Other candidates
There was little to zero public information about the candidates of the other six parties. They include Ugiagbe Sylvester (Allied Peoples Management), Areleogbe Amos (Action Peoples Party), Iyere Kennedy (Accord), Akhimie Kingson (Action Democratic Party), Anerua Aliu (Social Democratic Party), and Okungbowa Paul Ovbokhan YPP( Young Progressive Party).
