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In 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct two off-cycle gubernatorial polls in Nigeria. The first of this election will determine who succeeds Godwin Obaseki as Edo state governor among 17 candidates on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
About 2.25 million voters out of approximately 2.63 million registered voters (85.57%) have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and are expected to participate in the election that will run across 4,519 polling units in the state’s 18 local government areas.
The voter demographics revealed that more male voters (1.37 million) registered than female (1.26 million), and voters aged 18 to 49 make up 1.89 million of the registered voters (71.9%). Additionally, students, business persons, traders, farmers, and fishermen are expected to play a crucial role in voter turnout, representing approximately 73% of the total registered voters (1.9 million). Also, 4,199 persons living with disabilities registered for the election.
Regarding new voter registrations, INEC reported an increase of 119,206 new voters in Edo State during the recent registration exercise from May 26 to June 9, 2024, where males account for 51.75% and females account for 48.25%. The youth demographic continues to dominate the new registrations, with individuals aged 18 to 35 representing 81.89% of this group.
The major contenders
Three candidates, who primarily benefit from their parties’ popularity and personal profiles, stand out as major contenders and the only female candidate who threatens to beat the men at their game.
Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP)
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, is a seasoned lawyer and former chairman of Sterling Bank. The 64-year-old Ehimi-born politician has extensive experience in capital markets and corporate law. He has served on various boards, including Nigerian Breweries and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Recently affirmed as the PDP candidate by a Federal High Court ruling, Mr Ighodalo won the party’s primary election on Feb. 22, 2024. His campaign centres on a vision titled “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” which includes plans to develop 2,000 kilometres of road infrastructure within his first four years and provide safe drinking water for over 500 communities.
He also aims to implement grants for vulnerable individuals and promote environmental sustainability by planting up to one million trees over two years. Mr Ighodalo emphasises good governance through transparency and accountability while pledging support for the elderly, women, youths, and traditional rulers.
Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressive Congress (APC)
With support from Adams Oshiomole, the state’s former governor and party leader, and other party bigwigs, Monday Okpebholo, a 53-year-old senator representing the Edo central senatorial district, will be representing the APC. He emerged victorious among 12 aspirants in the party’s primary election. His campaign promises include healthcare expansion, education initiatives, and job creation for women, children, youths and the elderly. He also promises to ensure the safety of lives and properties, creating a conducive environment for economic growth in the state and infrastructural development through good roads and modern markets.
Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP)
The 51-year-old former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, blends his fame with the promises of an alternative that the Labour Party offers. He hopes to sway Edo state electorates his way after building a notable legal career with Templars, a full-service law firm. His campaign promises transformative leadership that appeals to younger voters and those disenchanted with the traditional political structures, advocating for zero-tolerance corruption under his administration.
Patience Key Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Patience Key, a U.S.-based healthcare professional and former chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas, is noteworthy as the only female candidate among the contenders, representing the PRP. Ms Key positions herself as a transformative leader focused on people-centric governance. Her agenda includes economic diversification, ensuring access to quality education for all children, and improving healthcare systems in Edo State. Ms Key emphasises women’s empowerment and youth participation in governance while aiming to leverage diaspora expertise to develop local capacities.
Conclusion
Each candidate promises reforms in different sectors to ease and sustain Edo people’s living conditions. As the election nears, their individual skills, backgrounds, and policies, as well as support from prominent stakeholders, will play diverse roles in influencing voter opinions and determining the final outcome of the unpredictable contest.
