With the conclusion of primary elections, the electorate anticipates a keen contest for the Edo 2024 governorship poll. Last week, the three most prominent parties concluded their primaries. Based on those results, it is looking like a showdown between the PDP, the APC and the LP. All three parties will be going into the Edo 2024 governorship poll with various degrees of internal issues. While the ruling PDP has produced Asue Ighodalo as candidate, the party will have to address the discontent of other aspirants. Specifically, Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu remains at loggerheads with Governor Godwin Obaseki. A parallel PDP primary declared Shuaibu as candidate of the party. This will pose substantial challenges for internal cohesion within the PDP.
On its party, the APC flag will be flown by Monday Okpebholo, senator representing Edo Central. Okpebholo emerged victorious in a fresh primary election held on Thursday, February 15, after the National Working Committee cancelled the first election, which produced Dennis Idahosa as candidate. Okpebholo polled 12,433 votes to defeat Dennis Idahosa, his closest rival who polled 6541 votes.
Idahosa, one of the youngest members of the House of Representatives was widely seen as the anointed candidate of the party leadership. An ally of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Idahosa was seen as a young and dynamic politician. It was reckoned that he will put up a good fight against the PDP in the State. However, he did not fit the bill when it came to the zoning discussion and the need for power to go to Edo Central.
With the triumph of Okpebholo, the zone and equity discussion has now been settled. Little wonder, Okpebholo tried to be conciliatory in his speech. He said: “This is a victory for the APC and the people of Edo State,” said Senator Okpebholo, urging party members and Idahosa to unite “as family to ensure that we retain the governorship seat and continue the legacy of our great party.”
The third force in the 2024 Edo governorship race is the Labour Party (LP)’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a senior partner at Templars law firm.
Akpata emerged as the LP candidate in the party’s primary election held on Tuesday, February 20, in Benin City. He secured 316 votes out of the 334 valid votes cast, while his closest rivals, Kenneth Imansuangbon, and Prof. Sunday Eromosele, both polled seven votes each.
Akpate in his victory speech said; “I believe that this is a historic opportunity for us to make a difference in the lives of the people of Edo State. I will run a campaign that will be based on the principles of integrity, competence, and service.
“I will also articulate a clear agenda of how I will harness the potentials of Edo State and make it a model of good governance and development in Nigeria.”
With the emergence of the three front runners, the stage is set for a three-way battle for the governorship seat of Edo State. The election is expected to be a keenly contested one, as each of the candidates has his own strengths and weaknesses, as well as his own loyal supporters and detractors.
The election will also be a test of the popularity and influence of the political parties and their leaders, both at the state and national levels. The people of Edo State will have to make a critical choice between the candidates and their parties, based on their manifestos, track records, and visions for the state.
The election will also be a reflection of the political mood and aspirations of the people, who have witnessed different administrations and policies in the past years, becoming a determinant for future direction and destiny of Edo State.
