*Pix above(l-r): Olumide Akpata, Monday Okpebholo, and Aue Ighodalo
Edo State’s highly anticipated governorship election begins in less than 13 hours as major contenders are locked in the last-minute scheming and political maneuvering to clinch the coveted seat.
Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had urged all stakeholders in the Edo state governorship elections to respect the will of the people in their ability to choose their leaders.
Tinubu gave the charge in a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“President Tinubu urges the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will. He believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders,” the statement said.
While calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be impartial in their conduct, President Tinubu said all the parties must endeavor to conduct themselves “peacefully and sportingly.”
As the Edo governorship election approaches, it’s crucial for voters and observers alike to understand the key aspects shaping this important political event.
Here are ten quick facts that highlight the context, candidates, and implications of the upcoming election, ensuring you’re well-informed as the decision-making day draws close.
. Election Date
The Edo state gubernatorial election is scheduled for Saturday, 21st of September, 2024. The election will be held across all the local government areas of the state
- Number of Political Parties
Sixteen men and one woman are contesting for the prestigious position of governor of Edo State. While many are in the race, only three candidates have been actively campaigning.
Here are the contestants and their respective parties: Iyere Kennedy – Accord Party (A); Iseghohi Tom – Action Alliance (AA); David Udoh Oberaifo – African Action Congress (AAC); Derek Izedonmwen Osarenren – Africa Democratic Congress (ADC); Kingson Akhimie Afeare – Action Democratic Party (ADP); Monday Okpebholo – All Progressives Congress (APC); and Isaiah Osifo – All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Other are Odaro Ugiagbe – Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Amos Areloegbe – Action Peoples Party (APP); Edeipo Osiariame – Boot Party (BP); Olumide Akpata – Labour Party (LP); Friday Azemhe Azena – New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Asuerinme Ighodalo – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Patience Key Ndidi – Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Abdulai Anerua Aliu – Social Democratic Party (SDP); Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan – Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
- Number of LGAs
Edo state has 18 local government areas divided into three senatorial districts.
Edo Central senatorial district has five LGAs – Esan South-East, Igueben, Esan North-East, Esan West, and Esan Central.
The Edo South senatorial district covers seven LGAs – Oredo, Ovia South West, Egor, Ovia North East, Orhionmwon, Ikpoba Okha, and Uhunmwode local government areas.
Edo North senatorial district comprises six LGAs – Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Owan West, Owan East, and Akoko Edo. The headquarters (collation centre) of Edo North is Auchi in Etsako West LGA.///
