The upcoming 2024 Edo governorship election promises to be a fiercely contested battle, with 2.6 million registered voters ready to decide in spite of a highly charged political atmosphere. The campaigns are shaped by unsettled political scores, ethnic tensions, and competing visions for the state’s future. With intense competition among PDP, APC, and Labour Party candidates, the stakes are high, and the crowded voter landscape guarantees that every vote will be crucial in this tightly congested race.
In 2020, Governor Godwin Obaseki won re-election with 307,955 votes while his close contender Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC came second with 223,619 votes.
- Labour Party (LP) – Olumide Akpata
Profession: Lawyer, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
LGA of Origin: Oredo LGA, Edo South
Age: 51
Previous Portfolio: Senior Partner at Templers, a commercial law firm; NBA President
Key Points:
Akpata hails from Edo South, the same district as the incumbent governor Obaseki.
The Labour Party gained significant traction in the 2023 elections, with a senator from Edo South.
His manifesto prioritises economy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
Running mate: Yusuf Kadiri (SAN)
Challenges:
The key hurdle Akpata faces is the informal rotational agreement in Edo politics, which would traditionally favor a candidate from Edo Central after eight years of governance by an Edo South governor.
His campaign needs to win over voters in regions that may be more inclined to honor the rotational system or face disenchantment from those seeing it as “Esan’s turn.”
- People’s Democratic Party (PDP) – Asue Ighodalo
Profession: Lawyer, founding partner of Banwo and Ighodalo
LGA of Origin: Esan South-East LGA, Edo Central
Age: 62
Previous Portfolio: Economic adviser to Adams Oshiomhole; member of Obaseki’s economic team; Chairman of Sterling Bank
Key Points:
Ighodalo is seen as a strong contender due to Governor Obaseki’s endorsement.
His manifesto, “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” focuses on welfare, economic growth, and security.
He represents Edo Central, a region vying for a full-term governorship.
Running mate: Osarodion Ogie (lawyer)
Support Base:
Ighodalo’s support from Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP’s state machinery strengthens his campaign, though the PDP’s influence nationally has waned.
Ighodalo’s candidacy is also backed by the sentiment within Edo Central that it’s their turn to occupy the governorship after years of perceived marginalisation.
- All Progressives Congress (APC) – Monday Okpebholo
Profession: Legislator
LGA of Origin: Esan North-East LGA, Edo Central
Age: 54
Previous Portfolio: Senator representing Edo Central
Key Points:
Okpebholo is an experienced grassroots politician with strong federal backing.
His manifesto emphasises declaring a state of emergency in education, health, and security sectors.
Despite a contentious APC primary, he emerged victorious with the party’s ticket.
Running mate: Dennis Idahosa
Challenges:
APC faces internal divisions post-primary, where competing factions could undermine a unified front in the election.
Okpebholo’s critics claim his lack of deep policy engagement may weaken his governorship ambitions in a state where governance issues, not just grassroots politics, are front and center.
Voting Strength:
Labour Party: 1 Senator (Edo South)
PDP: 0 Senator
APC: 2 Senators (Edo North, Edo Central)
Election Details:
Total Registered Voters: 2,629,025
PVCs Collected: 2,249,780 (85.6%)
Total Polling Units: 4,519
Security Agents Deployed: 350,000
BVAS Deployed: 5,000
Ad-hoc Staff: 18,000
Other Contenders in Edo Gubernatorial Election
Azena Azemhe Friday — New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Osifo Isiah — All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
Ugiagbe Sylvester — All People Movement (APM)
Uwaifo Osaro — Action Alliance (AA)
Aner Aliu — Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Okungbowa Ovbokhan — Young Progressive Party (YPP)
Akhime Afere — Action Democratic Party (ADP)
Udoh David — African Action Congress (AAC)
Obazele Agbone — African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Key Ndidi — Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena — Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Osirame Edeipo — Boot Party (BP)
Areleogbe Osalumese — All Peoples Party (APP)
Iyere Kennedy — Accord Party (AP)
The total number of registered voters (2,629,025) reflects a high potential for electoral participation, while the high rate of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection (85.6%) indicates that a significant portion of the electorate is prepared to vote.
