As Edo State braces for a decisive election day, all eyes are on the candidates vying to succeed outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki. Leading the pack are three prominent contenders: Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata representing the Labour Party (LP).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reports a total of 2,629,025 registered voters in Edo State, with 2,249,780 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collected. This leaves 379,245 PVCs uncollected, accounting for 14.43% of the total. Voting is taking place across 4,519 polling units throughout the state.
Seventeen candidates are vying for the governorship, with sixteen men and one woman in the race. Here’s a closer look at the candidates:
Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC, from Udomi in Uwesan-Irrua, currently represents Edo Central in the Senate, bringing significant political experience.
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, hails from Okaigben in Ewohimi, Edo Central. A former chairman of Sterling Bank and economic adviser to notable governors, Ighodalo brings a wealth of experience to the contest.
Olumide Akpata, representing the Labour Party, is the former national chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association for Edo South and has a robust legal background.
Other candidates include Tom Iseghohi of the Action Alliance, a former Group Managing Director of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, and Azena Azemhe Friday of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, who is also a pastor.
Osifo Isiah from the All Progressives Grand Alliance has previously served as chief of staff and local council chairman. Ugiagbe Sylvester represents the All People Movement, while Areleogbe Osalumese, an accountant, is with the All Peoples Party.
Kingson Akhime Afere from the Action Democratic Party previously contested for the Edo North senatorial seat. Udoh David of the African Action Congress and Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena of the Zenith Labour Party complete the diverse field of candidates.
The election also features Osirame Edeipo of the Boot Party, Iyere Kennedy, a human rights advocate who has withdrawn from the race, and Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen from the African Democratic Congress, who aims to promote innovation in Edo.
Patience Key Ndidi, the only female candidate from the Peoples Redemption Party, is an entrepreneur and humanitarian. Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan of the Young Progressive Party is an educationist and life coach. Aner Abdullahi Aliu, representing the Social Democratic Party, believes his party is the best hope for positive change in Edo State.
GbaramatuVoice will be on the ground providing live updates and coverage of the events, ensuring voters stay informed about the candidates and the electoral process.
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