As residents of Edo State head to the polls today, the three main candidates—Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP)—are vying for victory in the highly anticipated Edo State election 2024.
With over 2.2 million permanent voter cards collected, all parties have expressed confidence in securing the highest number of votes, aiming to take over Osadebe House from incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose term ends on November 11.
Key Battlegrounds and Campaign Efforts
The major battleground for the election appears to be Edo Central, where both the APC candidate, Okpebholo, and PDP’s Ighodalo hail from. Okpebholo is hopeful his ties with the electorate and political tutelage under the late Tony Anenih will work in his favor. Meanwhile, the PDP is banking on its popularity in parts of Edo South to give Ighodalo an edge.
On the other hand, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate, has gained significant ground in Edo South, his home base. Akpata has toured all 18 local governments in the state and made a notable campaign stop in riverine areas, hoping to expand his support base. Despite the Labour Party’s success in last year’s general election, Akpata knows that his rivals, the APC and PDP, have also been consolidating their strongholds across the state.
Election Day Concerns and INEC’s Readiness
As the Edo State election today unfolds, concerns about potential violence and vote-buying have been raised by civil society groups and election observers. In response, INEC has assured citizens of a well-organized election, having already distributed electoral materials to all 18 local government offices. The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Onuoha Anugbum, confirmed that security has been heightened across polling units to ensure a smooth and fair process.
In particular, INEC is working to prevent disruptions in critical areas such as Oredo, Egor, Uhunmwonde, and parts of Ovia Federal Constituency, where PDP campaigners raised alarms about potential violence and interference by political thugs. Additionally, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, warned of likely vote-buying, noting that some political actors might exploit the country’s economic hardships to sway voters with cash offers ranging from N1,000 to N2,000.
Edo Election Update 2024: Security Measures and Public Response
President Bola Tinubu urged peaceful conduct during the election, calling on political stakeholders to respect the democratic process and the will of the people. His call for civility was echoed by the Edo State Civil Society Organisations, who urged INEC to use this election to redeem its credibility following controversial results in previous elections. The group emphasized that a transparent and fair election would restore public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Meanwhile, IGP Kayode Egbetokun announced a restriction on vehicular movement from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day to maintain security. The Edo State Police Command has been tasked with ensuring that polling stations remain accessible to vulnerable voters, including the elderly and disabled.
Despite heightened security, some political thugs allegedly attempted to disrupt the election by overrunning INEC offices in Oredo, Estako West, and Esan West. Edo’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, confirmed that military personnel had successfully repelled these attempts.
Results Awaited as Edo 2024 Election Concludes
As voting proceeds, Edo residents are eagerly awaiting the Edo State election result. It remains to be seen which candidate—APC’s Okpebholo, PDP’s Ighodalo, or LP’s Akpata—will emerge as the winner and take over the reins of power in Osadebe House.
Looking Ahead: Ondo State Governorship Election 2024
As Edo’s election concludes, attention will soon turn to the upcoming Ondo State Governorship Election 2024, scheduled to be held later in the year. INEC and political observers will be closely monitoring the Edo election to glean lessons that could ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process in Ondo.
The next few hours will determine who won the Edo State governorship election 2024, with voters hoping for a smooth transition of power and a brighter future for the state.
