The upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial election in Edo State is scheduled for September 21, 2024.
The election is poised to be one of the most pivotal moments in the state’s political landscape. And as voters prepare to head to the polls, the election is shaping up to be a contest defined by high-stakes political dynamics, growing public expectations, and an intensifying security apparatus aimed at curbing violence and ensuring transparency.
INEC’s preparation for the election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its officials have been working diligently to guarantee a smooth electoral process.
One of the major steps in this direction is the Commission’s adoption of the Election Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool (EVMAT) designed to assess and reduce potential election-related violence.
According to recent statements from INEC officials, this tool will allow the commission to identify flash points, areas historically prone to election violence, and effectively deploy necessary resources to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
With violence having marred previous elections, the implementation of this tool could serve as a critical step towards promoting a fair and secured election environment.
Moreover, INEC recently concluded a Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and a new voters’ register is going to be made public this week across the 192 wards of the state.
Officials say INEC made significant efforts to register new voters and has advised them to be part of the collection of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to the Edo INEC office, over 150,000 new voters have been registered in the lead-up to the election, signaling a strong enthusiasm from citizens eager to participate in the democratic process.
The INEC has also highlighted the challenges it may face in ensuring a peaceful election during the election.
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Electoral Violence
A significant concern for INEC is the potential for violence during the election. Past experiences have shown that electoral violence can disrupt the voting process and deter voter participation.
To mitigate this, INEC has introduced the Election Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool (EVMAT) to track and neutralise possible triggers of violence.
Security Coordination: Ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials is paramount.
INEC is collaborating with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to discuss strategies for maintaining peace during the election. Recent incidents of violence, including the death of a security personnel, highlight the urgency of effective security measures.
Logistical Challenges
The logistics of conducting a large-scale election, including the distribution of materials and the training of personnel, remain a challenge. INEC has reported recovering from infrastructure damage caused by flooding and is working to ensure that all necessary equipment, such as Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, are in place.
Read also: Edo guber: INEC moves to check electoral fraud
Political Tension
The political landscape in Edo State is marked by rivalries among major parties, particularly the internal conflicts within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). These tensions can lead to increased hostility and unrest, complicating INEC’s efforts to maintain a peaceful election environment.
Nevertheless, the Commission has called on all political parties participating in the election to abide by the electoral guidelines.
The Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha said that some political parties did not play by the rules by not informing the commission about the commencement of their campaigns.
“The campaigns started April 24. It is our duty to monitor campaigns to ensure that the political parties play by the rules at the local government level, inform the electoral officers that you are going for campaigns and billboards should not be destroyed,” he said.
Onuoha also said that the interactive session became necessary to inform the stakeholders on progress being made regarding the conduct of the Edo governorship election.
He said that the Commission was ready to furnish all political parties with relevant information that would lead to a peaceful, free, and credible Edo governorship election, assuring the parties of a level playing ground without compromise and favouritism.
He also intimated the stakeholders that the official publication of voters’ register would be done August 20 with copies presented to the different political parties.
Onuoha noted that the recruitment of observers for the election was concluded while recruitment of ad hoc staff was ongoing.
According to him, the commission has already accomplished nine, out of its 13-point agenda set for the conduct of the Edo governorship election.
Responding to questions asked by the stakeholders, the REC, said the Edo State Security Network would not be part of security agencies for the election. He said that vote buying and selling were electoral offences, noting that perpetrators would be persecuted by the relevant authorities.
He added that BVAS for the election were being configured, and the logistics arrangement had kick-started.
Major political parties and their candidates
The race for the Edo governorship is largely centered around three dominant political parties, each fielding a strong candidate. These include the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The All Progressives Congress
The APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represents a powerful figure in Edo Central’s politics.
He is a serving senator and a businessman. His candidacy has been met with wide support from key political figures within the state, including the former governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, positioning him as a front-runner. Okpebholo says his 5-point manifesto is emphasizing infrastructural development, employment generation, and enhanced public services. With a serving member of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Dennis and as his running mate, he is hopeful of garnering significant votes in the election.
Okpebholo is focusing on bridging the development gap in rural areas while leveraging his experience in the Senate to appeal to urban voters as well.
The Labour Party
Former Nigerian Bar Association president, Olumide Akpata is contesting under the Labour Party banner. Akpata’s nomination has stirred a wave of enthusiasm, particularly among younger voters who view him as a fresh face and a change agent.
His campaign is centered on improving governance transparency, legal reforms, and economic diversification, with a focus on harnessing Edo State’s agricultural potential. His ability to galvanise youth support could potentially swing the tide in his favour.
The People’s Democratic Party
The PDP, historically a dominant force in Edo State politics, faces a unique challenge in this election cycle. The party’s internal crisis, characterised by factional struggles, has resulted in two prominent candidates emerging from parallel primaries. Philip Shaibu, the current deputy governor of the state, has left the party and is supporting the APC candidate. Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer and prominent businessman, is the governorship candidate of the party. The unresolved conflict in the PDP is believed by many as capable of leading to a fractured voter base, which could affect the party’s chances of success.
It is expected that the governorship candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie, a renowned Edo State politician and the immediate past SSG to bring their wealth of experience both in the business world and politics to bare in governing Edo State and also leveraging some of the successes recorded by the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration during the last eight years in the state.
What Edo people are saying as the election approaches
Many Edo citizens express a strong desire for the leadership that can tackle persistent challenges such as unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and poor infrastructure.
“We need a government that understands the people,” says Osajie, a civil servant from Uromi. “The next governor must be someone who will improve our schools and hospitals, not just make promises,” he said.
Public sentiment is also shaped by the broader national context. The post-2023 general election saw a renewed emphasis on electoral accountability, and Edo voters are holding candidates to higher standards. While some voters are cautiously optimistic about the election, others remain wary of potential electoral malpractice, citing previous experiences with vote buying and intimidation. Voter turnout and engagement will likely hinge on the perceived credibility of the election process and how well INEC can instill confidence in the electorate.
Flashpoints and areas to watch
Election observers have highlighted several flashpoints that should be closely monitored throughout the election. Some of the key issues include:
Major concerns
Electoral violence is a recurring concern in Edo State. Given the often-heated nature of political contests, particularly between the APC and PDP, tensions may flare up in areas with strong political allegiances. INEC’s EVMAT tool is expected to play a crucial role in identifying these areas early on, allowing security forces to maintain a heavy presence and prevent escalation.
Party rivalries and factionalism
The internal divisions within the PDP could prove to be one of the most significant factors in the election. If the party fails to reconcile its factions, the split may result in voter apathy or confusion, affecting overall turnout. Additionally, any last-minute legal challenges over the candidacy could add more uncertainty.
Voter engagement and registration
With voter registration seeing a boost, ensuring that the electorate is adequately informed and motivated will be crucial. There are concerns over potential logistical issues on election day, particularly in rural areas where the distribution of PVCs has been slow. Ensuring that registered voters have their cards in hand remains a key priority for INEC, as any disruption in the distribution process could disenfranchise many voters.
In conclusion, the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election promises to be a defining moment for the state, with implications for both the local and national political landscapes. With INEC’s efforts to curb violence and ensure a transparent process, alongside the fierce competition between major political parties, the election will test the resilience of the democratic process in Edo State. While the contest between candidates from the APC, LP, and PDP unfolds, the real measure of success will lie in how well the process meets the expectations of the Edo people: a free, fair, and peaceful election.
