Precisely on Saturday, September 21, the people of Edo State will elect a new governor as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts the state’s off-cycle governorship poll.
The election in the state has drawn the attention of political enthusiasts and citizens eager to witness a fresh democratic dispensation, signaling the end of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year reign.
The INEC said that about 17 candidates are in the gubernatorial race. In the last three months, the candidates have been touring every local government area of the state to sell their agenda to indigenes in a bid to win their votes.
Here are the campaign promises of the three leading candidates, Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP).
Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata
The LP’s candidate is a prominent corporate lawyer and former national chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Akpata clinched the ticket of the party which was keenly contested and has been busy touring the state to campaign and sell his vision to the people of Edo.
He hails from Edo South and has on several occasions boasted that he was the best candidate to take the state forward. He has a proven track record of leadership and integrity.
Although a greenhorn in politics, many political analysts have warned his opponents that it would be suicidal to wave him aside, considering his intellect and strong grassroots following.
But he hails from Edo South, a constituency that has ruled the state more than twice; for now, many people are saying there was the need to give other regions a chance to rule for equity and fairness.
He faces a tough task convincing major stakeholders to support his ambition and vote for someone from Edo South again, a region where incumbent governor, Obaseki, hails from.
But so far, Akpata probably has had the best campaign among the governorship candidates, touring major parts of the state with wide support in the grassroots.
Manifesto
Ahead of the gubernatorial election, Akpata’s campaign manifesto details extensive plans for revitalising the economy, developing infrastructure, improving education and healthcare, and enhancing social welfare in Edo State.
In recent weeks, his focus also on sustainable development and job creation, particularly through the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has garnered substantial support from various demographics, especially the youth and business communities.
One of his visions is to revitalise the educational system in Edo, which he describes as being in a “deplorable state and a disaster.”
According to him, “The education curriculum should also be reviewed so that technology will become a major part of it. Any child not taught technology in today’s world will become a functional illiterate.”
He also revealed that if elected, he would also prioritise the development of the inner cities and other areas lacking development in the state.
On health care, the LP candidate has announced a plan to overhaul the sector and construct healthcare centres in all 192 wards of the state, aiming to enhance access to quality healthcare for the populace.
The LP candidate added that he would ensure that primary health care is affordable for the ordinary man in the state and health workers are deployed to the health centres in the rural areas.
Akpata said: “I will ensure that primary health care is effective to bring health care to all the wards in the state. People need to be healthy to be able to carry out their daily activities.
“Also, we will deliver on our promises as the people are the major focus of a democratic government. We will also develop the inner cities and other places that lack development.”
Read also: INEC presents register voters to political parties ahead Edo guber poll
Asue Ighodalo
Ighodalo comes into the governorship race with a rich credential and boardroom experience. He is a successful lawyer who had chaired Sterling Bank, and served on the board of several blue-chip companies.
Many observers see him as a front runner in the gubernatorial election, tipping him to win. This is also coupled with the support from the incumbent Governor, Obaseki, and the ruling party in the state.
Although the Edo PDP has been in turmoil since the party’s gubernatorial election primary won by him, many think the quest by many indigenes of the state to see someone from Edo central rule the state can ultimately work in his favour.
But he is seen as a greenhorn in partisan politics, and some people 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 the previous administration, many still see him as someone who understands the challenges the state faces and how to transform the Edo economy.
Manifesto
The PDP candidate, Ighodalo, in the course of campaign across Edo State has unfolded his agenda and campaign manifesto which he tagged: “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.
The governorship candidate promised to respect and uphold the crucial role of the religious, traditional institutions, the elderly and other crucial stakeholders in nurturing the spiritual and moral wellbeing of the state by constantly engaging them in meaningful dialogue and partnerships that will foster peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding among faiths.
He further promised to provide a supportive role by creating an environment with access to healthcare, social services, including free public transportation, especially for the elderly and other community programmes tailored to their needs.
In the manifesto, Ighodalo declared his willingness to cultivate an environment that would support growth and sustainability, develop policies that would enhance economic stability, provide incentives, and streamline regulatory processes to make Edo State the easiest state to do business in.
Above all, he said it he was committed to working hard to improve rural infrastructure, such as roads, healthcare, and social services, to enhance quality of life and ensure equal access to essential services for all.
“And to the media, we will continue to uphold and protect your essential role in fostering an informed and engaged public. We commit to ensuring transparency and access to information, enabling you to report freely and accurately on matters of public interest,” he said.
Monday Okpebholo
Okpebholo is a serving senator, representing Edo Central Senatorial District and a veteran politician in Edo State that commands large following in the grassroots.
He is an experienced investor and entrepreneur.
He is the candidate of the ruling party in the central, who enjoyed large support among influential politicians in the state, including former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, former deputy governor, Philips Shaibu, who defected to the APC after losing out in the PDP.
Despite the criticism that has trailed Okpebholo’s candidacy, his supporters say his legislative experience in the National Assembly gives him a perspective on how to usher in economic and policy priorities that the other candidates do not have.
They said that he would improve Edo’s infrastructure, boost the economy and security.
Considering that among the three major candidates, he is the only truly Edo-bred politician, observers say Okpebholo understands the current challenges in the state, and will push for policies that support job creation, quality education, massive industrialisation and agricultural development if voted into power.
Manifesto
The five-point agenda of the APC candidate is a comprehensive and strategic plan designed to transform Edo State.
Among the focus areas listed are; security, infrastructural development, education, agriculture and water provision.
The APC candidate said the listed areas would pave the way for excellence and vast opportunities for the people of Edo State.
Speaking recently, Okpebholo promised that his administration would also give attention to welfare, road construction and rehabilitation, tackling environmental problems, transportation, rural development, power plant projects and water supply.
Known as Akpakomiza, Okpebholo envisions an Edo State brimming with potential, leveraging its abundant natural and human resources, and fertile land. He thinks with effective leadership, Edo State can thrive, ensuring all its inhabitants live above the poverty line.
He plans to focus on enhancing security and extensive infrastructural development, key elements that will stimulate job creation and employment opportunities for the people of Edo State.
Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, told Edo people during a campaign tour that they are committed to reversing the bleak situation in the state through their agenda, which would set the state on a path to prosperity for all its citizens.
