As Edo State gears up for its highly anticipated governorship election on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the political landscape is heating up with three prominent candidates leading the charge—Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party. Each of these candidates brings a unique blend of experience, vision, and leadership, making the upcoming election one of the most competitive in the state's history.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that 2,249,780 of the state’s 2,629,025 registered voters have collected their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), representing 85.57% of voters.
However, 379,245 PVCs, amounting to 14.43%, remain uncollected. Voting is set to take place in 4,519 polling units across Edo State.
A total of 17 candidates, including 16 men and 1 woman, are contesting the governorship seat.
Here is a closer look at the candidates:
All Progressives Congress (APC) – Senator Monday Okpebholo
Hailing from Udomi in Uwesan-Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, Senator Monday Okpebholo currently represents Edo Central senatorial district under the APC. His political experience and current role as a senator make him one of the top contenders for the governorship.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – Asue Ighodalo
Asue Ighodalo, a native of Okaigben, Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area, is the former chairman of Sterling Bank.
He previously served as an economic adviser to former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the current Governor Godwin Obaseki. His extensive experience in banking and economic advisory adds weight to his candidacy.
Labour Party – Olumide Akpata
Olumide Akpata, the former national president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is from Edo South Senatorial District. Before entering politics, Akpata was a senior partner at Templars law firm, where he led the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group until August 2023. He is a strong candidate representing the Labour Party.
Action Alliance (AA) – Tom Iseghohi
Tom Iseghohi, who once served as the Group Managing Director of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria until 2014, is also the Chairman of Emerging Global Capital. His business acumen and leadership experience bring a unique perspective to the race.
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – Azena Azemhe Friday
Azena Azemhe Friday is the South-South regional pastor of Omega Fire Ministries and hails from Okpekpe in Etsako-East Local Government Area of Edo North senatorial district. His background in religious leadership drives his campaign for governance.
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – Osifo Isiah
Osifo Isiah, a former chief of staff to Governor Oserheimen Osunbor and chairman of Uhunmwonde Local Government Council, is from Imalele Osifo Quarters in Uvbenisi, Uhunmwode Local Government Area. His previous government roles provide him with political experience and community connections.
All People Movement (APM) – Ugiagbe Sylvester
Ugiagbe Sylvester, a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, is the flagbearer for APM. He represents a younger generation of candidates hoping to bring change to Edo State.
All Peoples Party (APP) – Areleogbe Osalumese
An accountant by profession, Areleogbe Osalumese is a native of Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area. His financial expertise is a central part of his campaign for governance.
Action Democratic Party (ADP) – Kingson Akhime Afere
At 37 years old, Kingson Akhime Afere contested the Edo North senatorial seat in the 2023 election under ADP but lost to Adams Oshiomhole. Afere is once again putting himself forward, this time for the governorship.
African Action Congress (AAC) – Udoh David
Udoh David, also 37 years old, hails from Emu in Esan South Local Government Area. He represents AAC, bringing a youthful perspective to the race.
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) – Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena
Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena, 43 years old, holds a bachelor’s degree and has chosen Idubor Joyce as his running mate. His platform focuses on education and social development.
Boot Party (BP) – Osirame Edeipo
Osirame Edeipo, 47, also holds a bachelor’s degree. Alongside his running mate Omorogbe Kingsley, he leads the Boot Party’s campaign in Edo State.
Accord Party (AP) – Iyere Kennedy
Human rights advocate Iyere Kennedy withdrew from the governorship race ahead of the 2024 election, choosing to focus on activism and social justice.
African Democratic Congress (ADC)– Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen
Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen, an engineer by profession, aims to transform Edo State into a hub of innovation and prosperity. His vision is focused on economic development and infrastructure.
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) – Patience Key Ndidi
Patience Key Ndidi, the only female candidate in the race, is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. A native of Ekhekhen in Igueben Local Government Area, she is campaigning for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized.
Young Progressive Party (YPP) – Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan
Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan is an educationist, entrepreneur, and life coach with a degree from the University of Benin. His focus is on education and youth empowerment.
Social Democratic Party (SDP) – Aner Abdullahi Aliu
Aner Abdullahi Aliu, according to INEC, holds a WAEC certificate and is running on the platform of the SDP. He believes the party offers the best chance for positive change in Edo State.
As the election approaches, the candidates present diverse backgrounds and visions for the future of Edo State. Voters will decide on September 21, 2024, who will lead the state into the next phase of development.