Edo decides: Infrastructure, security, jobs top voters’ concerns

… We want transparent, violence-free election – Electorate

…CDS warns troublemakers, says Tinubu has no favourite candidate

As Edo State goes to the polls on Saturday to elect a new governor, voters say they want a new chief executive officer who will improve the existing infrastructure and secure the people.

The new governor must be capable of creating the right environment for the private sector to create jobs, the electorate say.

Political conversations have centered on candidates of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), among others, with each promising a new chapter for the state. While expectations are high, the election is driven by pressing issues such as the economy, security and overall governance of Edo State.

The PDP supporters remain optimistic about their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who they see as a continuation of the progress achieved under the current administration of Godwin Obaseki.

Rita Osaghae, a PDP loyalist in Benin City, remarked, “Our candidate represents continuity and stability. We’ve seen progress in healthcare and education reforms, and I believe he’s the right person to build on those achievements.”

On the other hand, Monday Okpebholo of the APC has generated excitement among party supporters who believe that his track record on infrastructure development makes him the right choice for transformative leadership in the state.

“Senator Monday has already proven his dedication to infrastructure development,” said Daniel Ogbeide, an APC supporter from Uromi.

“He understands our challenges, and we trust he will deliver better roads, more jobs, and improved security across the state.”

Labour Party supporters are just as vocal, advocating for their candidate Olumide Akpata, who they see as an agent of change, with a focus on fighting corruption and revamping the local economy.

“We need someone fresh, someone not tainted by the traditional political system,” said Emmanuel Omozuwa, a youth leader in Ekpoma.

“The Labour Party is about empowering the people and ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit all Edo citizens, not just the elite.”

For the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), grassroots governance and accountability are key priorities. Grace Uwadiae from Igarra stated, “Our candidate has promised to return governance to the grassroots. We are tired of top-down decision-making that ignores the needs of rural communities.”

Voters’ expectations: Security, infrastructure

In both urban and rural areas, residents hope that the next governor will address these issues with a people-centric approach.

“It’s not just about winning an election, it’s about delivering on promises,” said Osarumen Igbinovia, a teacher from Auchi.

Young people, in particular, are looking for a candidate who will actively engage them in meaningful ways, creating sustainable employment opportunities and addressing education reforms to equip them with skills for the modern economy.

“We want a candidate who will provide us with opportunities, not just talk about them,” said Osemudiamen Ojo, a university graduate from Benin.

Similarly, Efe Omoruyi, a recent graduate from Ambrose Alli University, emphasised, “It’s not enough to promise jobs. We want a governor who will reform the education system to prepare us for today’s job market.”

In rural areas, expectations remain urgent yet basic. Many residents feel disconnected from the political class and hope the next governor will bring development closer to their communities.

Margaret Ogiesoba, a fruit hawker from Uromi, expressed her frustration: “We are still struggling with bad roads and no access to clean water. Whoever wins must focus on bringing infrastructure to the rural areas.”

The elderly population, who often face inadequate healthcare services, are also demanding urgent improvements.

Small business owners in Benin City are equally concerned about economic reforms.

Eunice Obasa, a market woman in New Benin, said: “We need to make it easier for small businesses to thrive by reducing taxes and improving the electricity supply.”

Call for transparent and violence-free election

With just a few hours until the election, concerns about electoral violence and manipulation have grown.

This comes in the wake of a tense political climate, where the APC initially failed to sign the peace accord, but later reversed its position to reduce tensions. The PDP refused to sign, citing unwarranted arrests of several of its members.

Stakeholders, including civic organisations and international observers, have continuously emphasised the need for a credible and violence-free election.

“We want an election where the people’s voices are heard, not one dictated by violence or rigging,” said Bright Okoh, a member of a local electoral watchdog group.

His statement echoes the sentiments of many Edo residents who want this election to set a new standard for peace in Nigerian elections.

Religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations have also called for peace.