Edo guber: High stakes as Ighodalo aims to defeat Akpata, Okpebholo

Asue Ighodalo, seen as a prodigy who had worked with previous administrations in the last two decades in Edo State, is perceived as the candidate to beat and the front runner to succeed incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki in the September 21 off-cycle gubernatorial election.

Obaseki, is rounding off his second and final term in office. He was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to win re-election in 2016.

Although there are sixteen other candidates in the Edo governorship race, analysts say Ighodalo faces herculean task in dislodging the candidates of two other leading political parties.

The PDP candidate is up against Olumide Akpata, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and serving senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Monday Okpebholo candidate of the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ighodalo comes into the governorship race with a rich credential and board room experience. He is a successful lawyer who had chaired Sterling Bank, and served on the board of several blue-chip companies.

But despite the PDP being the ruling party in Edo State, many political analysts predict that the gubernatorial election would not be an easy run for him and his party.

Read also: Edo Guber: PDP hails court judgment affirming Ighodalo’s candidacy

For many, politics is a different terrain, especially with the type that is seen in Nigeria, laden so much with intrigues.

Recently, technocrats who ventured into politics have received so much criticism as critics that some of them have not lived up to their promises.

Amid the bad governance, poor implementation of government policies and economic crisis facing the country, many have argued that the pursuit of good governance in Nigeria should focus on encouraging trustworthy and competent candidates to vie for elective offices in the country.

Many of Ighodalo’s supporters are also banking on the political arrangement in the state ahead of the off-cycle gubernatorial election.

Akpata hails from Edo South and considering that Edo South which has the bulk of the voting population had ruled the state twice by the time the incumbent completes his tenure and Edo North ruled once in the Adams Oshiomhole administration, the popular views is that power must shift to Edo Central for justice and fairness.

Although the APC’s Candidate, Okpebholo also hails from Edo Central, many people within the state, such as the Obidient Movement say they are supporting Ighodalo’s candidacy on the basis of his capacity, competence, track record, integrity, intellect and commitment to good governance.

The group said Ighodalo can actualise his aspiration and build on the work already done by incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, in order not to derail the thirty-year development plan.

As electioneering intense for the gubernatorial election, political parties have intensified their strategies to outwit one another and emerging victorious at the poll.

In recent weeks, the stage is heating up in Edo State and there is also keen interest among the electorate on the candidates and their agenda to reposition the state on the path of prosperity.

Observers say Ighodalo’s leadership qualities, managerial abilities, and track record in various capacities would be critical ahead of the election and for his suitability for a leadership role in Edo State.

Ighodalo’s campaign agenda

In a recently released comprehensive manifesto for the growth and prosperity of the Edo State. The PDP candidate spoke on his plans across all sectors of Edo State.

The document titled ‘The Pathway to Prosperity for All’.

Ighodalo in the manifesto identified where the state is, where it wants to be and what to do to get there. The document focuses on critical areas such as security, infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, and education, employment.

He promised to positively lift the living standard of the people and spread prosperity among them.

The Manifesto deals with the economic transformation that will involve the diversification of the economy, promote industrialiSation, and create jobs.

As for infrastructure development, Ighodalo promises to improve road networks, water supply, and electricity.

On education the focus will be to revamp the education sector, improve teacher training, and increase access to quality education.

Upgrading healthcare facilities, improving healthcare services, and reducing infant mortality will be the focal points in healthcare delivery.

On his plan for security, Ighodalo believes that once a government can ensure the safety and security of all citizens, tackle kidnapping and armed robbery, a lot of things will fall in place.

He has also emphasised good governance which will involve promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in government.

Analysts speak on his chances

Many political analysts say on paper, Ighodalo fits the bill of who can ascend to the top seat of the south-south sub-national entity, but there are factors that might militate against his ambition.

Obviously, since he is from the ruling party in the state, his candidacy has considerable advantage.

But the PDP is engulfed in internal crisis since the governorship primary election, although, Ighodalo has received considerable support, across the state, but many people say the Edo PDP needs to put its house in order so as not to lose support and loyalty of many party strong members to the opposition ahead of the poll.

In recent weeks, many party leaders have also dumped the PDP to the opposition.

Last month, two strong party chieftains where suspended last month over anti-party activities and several others dumped the PDP for the APC.

Analysts fear the legion of party faithful who have an axe to grind with the incumbent Governor, Obaseki, might truncate the ambition of Ighodalo if the party does not take serious steps to restore peace.

“There is no doubt about his competence and who he is, having worked closely at the background with the last two administrations in the state; perhaps, if you are to select along the three major candidates, he should be the one.

“But I fear with a divided house going into the election, anything can happen. The former deputy governor is there to play a spoiler and I hope the governor can come and settle things to bring peace. Outside that he appears the best clearly,” John Uwa, political analyst, said.

Many still see him as greenhorn in partisan politics and are wondering if he can survive the mucky waters associated with politics in Nigeria.

However, considering his efforts and contribution to development of the state while working with previous administration many still see him as the someone who understands the challenges the state face and how to transform the Edo economy.

Speaking on his candidacy, Ayoola Ajanaku, communication and advocacy specialist, said in the realm of ethical standards and Integrity, Ighodalo has paid his dues beyond comprehension.

“The importance of upholding ethical standards and integrity in public service cannot be overstated. Any individual considered for a significant role in Edo state should demonstrate high ethical standards and integrity.

“His alignment with the development priorities and policies of Edo and the ability to work within the existing governance structure would be crucial and will be a key factor as the race for the gubernatorial contest gathers steam”.

Also speaking, Chris Nwaokobia, the Convener CountryFirst Movement, and one of the leaders of the Obidient movement, said among the other gubernatorial candidates, Ighodalo was the best that could transform Edo State.

“For me, supporting Asue’s candidacy is about competence to deliver, integrity, commitment for the common good of the people.

“If you were to recruit a teacher for your children and you see Asuerinme Ighodalo, Okpebholo Monday, Olumide Akpata, who would you choose out of the three?

“If you were to recruit who would manage your economy, who would you recruit out of the three? If you want someone to rule your house, who will you recruit out of the three major candidates based on their qualities?

Nwaokobia further stated that since other zones had ruled the state, it was important that Edo Central get the opportunity to rule this time around.

He stressed that the movement would work actively towards mobilising 150,000 votes, he added that there were plans to work actively to actualise the target for him.

According to him, “For me it is what works for justice, since 1999, the Edo south have ruled twice, we had the current governor, Godwin Obaseki is from Edo South and we have had Adams Oshiomhole from Edo North who ruled the state twice in Eight years.

“Before the 2023 general election, the thought was that the South East was relegated and in line with the call for justice and fairness which is why we moved to Peter Obi candidate.

“Remember, PANDEF, Afenifere backed Obi’s candidacy because of calls for justice, fairness to South-eastern Nigeria. It would be against my conscience for me to want someone from Southern Edo State to succeed Godwin Obaseki,” he said.