While 2024 may not be a year for national elections in Nigeria, two gubernatorial battles are set to capture the nation’s attention.
The Edo and Ondo elections, slated for September 21st and November 16th, respectively, promise to be heated by political ambition, personal rivalries, and shifting power dynamics.
Edo
Edo’s political landscape is excited as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s two-term tenure ends.
While the race for his successor is wide open, a conflict has ensued within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu, despite facing problems from Obaseki, has declared his intention to claim the top seat. This rift has sparked drama, with Shaibu’s office relocation and budget cuts adding fuel to the fire.
Undeterred, Shaibu remains confident of securing the PDP ticket, adding another layer of intrigue to the race.
However, Shaibu is not the only contender. Prominent figures like Dr. Asue Ighodalo, former chairman of Sterling Bank, are also vying for the PDP ticket.
With a diverse field and simmering tensions, the Edo election promises to be a spectacle of political manoeuvring and fierce competition.
Ondo
The tragic death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in December 2023 reshaped the political landscape in Ondo.
Before his passing, Akeredolu’s prolonged absence from office fueled turmoil within the state. Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, thrust into the top position, faced impeachment threats and political machinations. President Tinubu’s intervention was needed to restore stability, but the scars of that period remain.
With the November election looming, the question of Aiyedatiwa’s future hangs in the air. While he hasn’t officially announced his candidacy, the Constitution grants him the right to run. This uncertainty adds another complexity to the race as other political figures jostle for position and strategize their campaigns.
These two gubernatorial elections hold significance beyond the confines of their respective states. They offer a glimpse into the current political climate in Nigeria, where personal ambitions, party dynamics, and shifting alliances play a crucial role.
As the campaigns increase, Nigerians will be watching closely, not just for the electoral outcome but also for the unfolding drama, the political strategies employed, and the potential impact on the nation’s future.
