• APC, PDP, Labour Party in Tight Race
• Over 2.6 Million Voters to Decide Next Governor
• Akpata Gets Endorsements from Peter Obi, Alex Otti
• Security Forces and CSOs on Alert as Edo Polls Near, Flashpoints Identified in 8 LGAs
The candidates of the three major political parties contesting in the Edo State gubernatorial election—Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Barrister Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party—wrapped up their campaigns on Thursday.
They will now await the decision of the electorate in tomorrow’s election, in accordance with electoral guidelines that mandate campaigns to end two days before the poll.
Despite the official conclusion of the campaigns, the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, popularly known as “Olu D,” received last-minute endorsements from his party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
Speaking at a rally in Benin City, Obi urged security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a “free, fair, and credible poll” while also warning that any attempts to rig the election would be resisted.
Obi stated, “Nigerians are suffering due to poor leadership choices, and this correction must begin in Edo State by voting for the Labour Party’s governorship candidate on September 21.”
He further assured the people of Edo that if Akpata wins, he would immediately address federal road issues within the state.
Security Measures and Flashpoints Identified
Meanwhile, the state has seen significant deployment of combined security forces ahead of the election. INEC announced that 2,629,025 registered voters are eligible to vote in the poll, and civil society organizations are on high alert for any potential disruptions.
Yiaga Africa, a prominent Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has identified eight local government areas as flashpoints for potential violence, urging security agencies to ensure strategic deployment. Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Chair of Yiaga’s Edo Election Mission, noted that “the volatile security environment in these areas necessitates neutral and strategic deployment of security forces.”
The identified LGAs include Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Esan South East, Etsako West, and Etsako East. Yiaga also expressed concerns over vote-buying, urging security agencies to crack down on both buyers and sellers.
Final Campaign Moves and Party Activities
In addition to Labour Party activities, the PDP saw an energetic campaign effort led by Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, wife of the PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, who embarked on a roadshow that attracted a large turnout of women from various local communities.
Speaking to the crowd, Mrs. Philomena Osaro of Oredo Ward 3 declared,“Come September 21, Mr. Asue Ighodalo will be voted in by the people… He is a compassionate man, very accessible, and the right person to occupy Asadebe Avenue.”
Similarly, the APC has been active in distributing educational grants and empowering women across the state. Omorede Osifo, APC National Deputy Treasurer, said this initiative reflects the candidate’s focus on revamping education in the state.
He noted, “This is someone who genuinely cares for the people. We must ensure that this kind of man becomes the governor of Edo State.”
INEC and Security Agencies Prepared for Election
INEC has assured the public that all necessary preparations have been made to conduct the election, and security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a peaceful process.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, met with Governor Godwin Obaseki and assured him that “the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, will ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful gubernatorial election.”
Despite assurances, the ruling PDP raised concerns over the alleged influence of federal power favoring the APC. In a televised interview, Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, claimed that “notorious APC thugs” were still roaming free with weapons despite the heavy deployment of security forces.
As the state prepares for tomorrow’s election, the Edo State Government has declared Friday, September 20, a work-free day to allow citizens to travel to their polling units ahead of the crucial vote.
The outcome of this election is highly anticipated, with over 2.6 million voters set to decide who will govern Edo State for the next term.
