The Edo 2024 governorship race is gaining momentum, and the political landscape is buzzing with activities across the three major political parties in the state as they head to the primary elections next month.
As the days go by, Edo people are anxiously waiting to see the candidates that will emerge in each of the political parties ahead of the governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in the state, closed the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on Thursday, according to its timetable and schedule of activities. As at Wednesday, 11 governorship aspirants had purchased the forms at the PDP national headquarters, Abuja.
Those who had picked the forms as at the time include a former House of Reps member representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Engr. Omeregie Ogbeide-Ihama, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, a former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Asue Ighodalo, daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, and Blessing Igbinedion, as well as Anselm Usiose Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Umoru Hadizat, among others.
The PDP fixed January 27 as the deadline for submission of forms by the aspirants. The party will then hold a congress on February 22 to decide who among the aspirants will fly its flag in the September 21 governorship election.
While things appear to be going smoothly in the PDP, at least on the surface of it, the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to be finding itself in a state of dilemma as it prepares for the party primaries.
Last week, the Prof Julius Ihonvbere-led committee set up by the APC to prune down the number of aspirants seeking the party’s ticket submitted its report indicating it had cleared six out of the 29 aspirants to commence their campaign and also partake in the February 17, 2024 primary election. The committee has, however, further reduced the number of aspirants to four – two aspirants each from Edo Central and Edo South, leaving out Edo North from the race.
The four cleared aspirants, according to the committee, are Mr. Lucky Imasuen (Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo South); Mr. Dennis Idahosa (Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo South); Dr. David Imuse (Esan West Local Government Area, Edo Central), and Senator Monday Okpebholo (Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo Central).
Some of the aspirants who were screened out have resolved to abide by the party decision. For instance, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, former commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Mrs Victoria Amu and Hon. Victor Otaigbe Eboigbe.
Some other aspirants have, however, kicked against the report of the Prof Ihonvbere-led committee.
For instance, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a two-time governorship candidate, has dismissed the Ihonvbere Committee report, insisting that he was still in thee race for the APC ticket.
Arriving the Benin airport to a mammoth crowd of supporters and some leaders of the APC, said the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had given clear directives that all aspirants for the governorship race were free to purchase nomination forms.
“I want to assure you that I am in the race and by next week by the grace of God I will collect the form. Any Edo person is worthy of the ticket and I’m not a stranger. I want to assure you that your support will not be in vain and there is nothing to worry about,” he said.
Also, a governorship aspirant and member representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Anamero Dekeri, rejected the report of the Ihonvbere screening committee, describing it as a personal arrangement that lacked merit and betrayed the true performance of aspirants.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the APC governorship aspirant declared that he would not waver in his determination to vie for the position.
No aspirant has been screened, disqualified, says APC
Meanwhile, the Edo State Chapter of the APC has said that no aspirants have been screened or disqualified from the governorship race.
Speaking on the Ihonvbere committee report, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Peter Uwadiae, told journalists on Tuesday that the committee’s role was only advisory.
“There is no truth in the news making the rounds that governorship aspirants have been screened and about 25 have been disqualified. Based on the advice of the National Working Committee of the party, we set up a committee led by Julius Ihonvbere to interface with the aspirants on the need to reduce the number of aspirants to a manageable one. It is after the close of sale of forms that the NWC will set up a screening committee,” Uwadiae said.
“The Committee also advised the Edo APC to be in a talking relationship with the aspirants so that those who know they cannot go all the way can exit the race. So no aspirant has been screened and disqualified,” he said.
Uwadiae also said that the expression of interest form and the nomination form, which cost N10 million and N40 million, respectively, were on sale for anyone interested in vying for the governorship position on the platform of the party, noting that more aspirants were expected to join the race
He said the party was going to the polls to win, urging members and supporters not to get agitated as the party believes in unity, fair play and democracy.
APC aspirants and their prospects
Monday Okpebholo
Senator Monday Okpebholo, senator representing Edo Central in the National Assembly, seems to be the favourite to clinch the APC gubernatorial ticket for the September 21st, 2024 election.
Okpebholo is from Edo Central, a zone that many political pundits and stakeholders have clamoured to produce the next governor as the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki winds down. This clamour is a plus for Senator Okpebholo’s chances of clinching the party’s ticket, just as his financial capacity and influence as a current senator.
Also, Okpebholo towered high above other aspirants in an independent opinion poll conducted by the Esan Alliance Movement (EAM) on all the governorship aspirants in the state. The poll, conducted by a team of data analysts, took into cognisance the popularity and financial capability of the aspirants, their individual experience, acceptability, contribution to the party, and issues of zoning.
A statement signed by the coordinators, Samson Okoduwa and Imade Osagie, said: “Our projection ahead of the Edo 2024 governorship primaries: the APC aspirant, Monday Okpebholo is expected to win the party primaries and eventually fly the party’s flag.”
The statement said the poll, which was conducted using a combination of phone surveys, questionnaires and influencers, took into cognisance the strong agitation from the people of Edo Central Senatorial District to produce Obaseki’s successor, and aslo looked at the spread of aspirants in winning the governorship election if given the party’s ticket.
The poll also identified that youths were more disposed to seeing a younger candidate emerge governor in the 2024 governorship race in Edo State.
“Conclusively, Okpebholo’s community service and contribution in strengthening the APC party in a zone considered to be a no-go-area for the APC when others had lost hope in the APC was a strong favouring factor,” it said.
David Imuse
Col. Imuse, a retired military personnel, is a medical doctor and a graduate of University of Benin. Imuse, who hails from Edo Central, was the chairman of APC in the state until recently when he resigned to pursue his electoral ambition.
Col. David Imuse’s chances of becoming the flag bearer of the APC are looking bright owing to the fact that he comes from Edo Central, a zone that seems favoured to produce the next governor of Edo State across party lines.
Also, being a former state chairman of the APC is an added advantage. That also gives him significant control of the State Working Committee of the party, thereby positioning him as an aspirant to look out for.
Lastly, Imuse’s relationship with the leader of the APC in Edo State, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who currently represents Edo North at the National Assembly, also puts him in pole position to pick the party’s ticket come February 17th, 2024.
Dennis Idahosa
Hon. Dennis Idahosa, House of Reps member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, has been in the National Assembly since 2019.
A former Commissioner for Investment, Public and Private Partnership in Edo State, Idahosa hails from Edo South, a zone with the largest voting strength in Edo State. The large voting population in Edo South, which has seven local government areas as against six in Edo North and five in Edo Central, may be an advantage. However, that advantage may be cancelled out by the fact that Idahosa is from the same senatorial zone with Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is completing a second four-year term as governor. All fingers are pointing to Edo Central to produce the next governor in the interest of equity and fairness.
Lucky Imasuen
Lucky Imasuen was a deputy governor of Edo State under the administration of Prof Osehriemen Osunbor from 2007-2008 before the Court of Appeal sacked the administration.
Imasuen will be banking on his political experience as a former deputy governor. However, being from Edo South may affect his chances. With the PDP rooting for Edo Central, the APC may be shooting itself in the foot if it gives its ticket to an aspirant who comes from the same zone as the outgoing governor.
Osagie Ize-Iyamu
Pastor Ize-Iyamu, also from Edo South, was once the Secretary to the Government of Edo State. He was also the candidate of the PDP in the Edo 2016 governorship election, and the governorship candidate of the APC in the 2020 election.
A grassroots politician and a household name in Edo politics, Ize-Iyamu’s chances of winning the APC primary election in February will be an uphill task. Apart from being from the same senatorial zone with the outgoing governor of the state, he doesn’t seem to enjoy a robust relationship with Oshiomhole, unlike in 2020 when he (Ize-Iyamu) was fully backed and supported by Oshiomhole. Some analysts have said that Senator Oshiomhole doesn’t seem to favour Ize-Iyamu because he (Oshiomhole) had previously criticized Ize-Iyamu, which was why he could not convince Edo people to vote Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 gubernatorial election. So, putting forth Ize-Iyamu as the candidate of the party for Edo 2024 might hinder the party’s chances at the poll.
Whither Labour Party?
Following an impressive outing at the 2023 general elections, which saw their domination of the presidential poll in key places including Lagos and Abuja, as well as winning seats in the National Assembly, the Labour Party seems to have fully established itself as a major third force within the country’s political landscape.
With the Edo 2024 governorship elections around the corner, there have been speculations concerning the party’s prospects of emerging victorious in the state. A victory in Edo State could go a long way in solidifying the structure of the party in the South-South, and further boost its momentum.
The party is gearing up for the primaries next month, although it would seem to be coming behind in this regard. Last week, Labour Party released the timetable of its activities for the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
A breakdown of the timetable shows as follows: 17th January 2024 – 20th January 2024: Release of guidelines for party primary; 25th January 2024 – 10th February 2024: Sales of Expression of Interest/Nomination forms; 1st February 2024 – 10th February 2024: Sales of delegate forms; 11th February 2024 – 13th February 2024: Last day for submission of completed nomination forms; 14th February 2024: Screening of candidates at the National Headquarters, Abuja; 18th February 2024: Ward congress to elect LGA delegates; 19th February 2024: Resolutions of dispute and appeals arising from ward congresses; 20th February 2024: Resolution of dispute and appeals arising from LGA congresses; 21st February 2024: Resolution of dispute and appeals arising from LGA congresses; 22nd February 2024: Primaries to nominate the party flag bearer; and 23rd February 2024 – 26th February 2024: Appeals on guber primary.
Currently, over 30 aspirants are vying to fly the party’s flag in the 2024 election. Meanwhile, pundits have noted that the Labour Party stands a better chance of winning the 2024 governorship race by nominating a well-known and respectable candidate who can significantly increase the party’s share of the votes.
Thus far, some of the more prominent figures seeking the Labour Party ticket for Edo 2024 include Mr Olumide Akpata, Pastor Azemhen Azena, Mr. Kenneth Imansuagbon, Prof Sunny Eromosele Eboh, Dr Dorry Okojie, among others.
Labour Party aspirants and their prospects
Olumide Akpata
As a former NBA President and corporate commercial lawyer, Akpata’s credibility and financial strength serve as a cornerstone to his campaign. His strategic move to solidify support within the LP by donating SUVs and making significant financial contributions to the party showcases his commitment and influence within the party. This has notably unsettled other aspirants, indicating Akpata’s ability to wield political power.
However, hailing from Edo South, the district which has produced two governors of Edo State since Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999, Chief Lucky Igbenedion and the current Governor Obaseki, may be a hindrance at a time all eyes are looking towards Edo Central. Some analysts, however, say that may not count as Akpata’s entry into the Edo governorship race under the Labour Party could potentially bring a dynamic shift.
Kenneth Imansuagbon
A frontline aspirant from Edo Central Senatorial district, Kenneth Imansuagbon appears to have significant advantages in the upcoming 2024 governorship election in Edo State. His political experience as a former governorship aspirant under the PDP in 2020 and his recent move to the Labour Party (LP) underscore his determination.
Imansuagbon’s long-standing commitment to the welfare of the masses, demonstrated through his philanthropy over the last two decades, solidifies him as a valuable asset to ordinary people, crucial for success in grassroots politics.
His notion of ending godfatherism and letting the ordinary people decide aligns with the current political sentiments, potentially resonating well with voters. His claim to be the most experienced and popular aspirant seeking the Labour Party’s ticket further strengthens his candidacy.
The requirement for the Labour Party to field a popular and acceptable candidate is acknowledged by political analysts, and Imansuagbon seems to fit this criterion, making him very likely to secure the party ticket.
Having built political capital that transcends party divides can be a notable advantage, providing him with a broader support base. However, the actual success of his candidacy will depend on maintaining this support, navigating political challenges, and effectively communicating his vision for Edo State.
Prof. Sunny Eromosele Eboh
Popularly known as Mudiame, Prof. Eromosele has openly expressed his passion for skill development, accentuated by healthy infrastructure. Speaking during his candidacy announcement at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Benin, Eromosele underscored the essential requirement for individuals such as himself, possessing significant achievements in the private sector, to tackle the issues facing the state.
“As an investor and business owner, I am dedicated to utilizing my expertise to ensure a secure environment and a conducive ecosystem for business growth. This encompasses strengthening our security apparatus and fostering job creation,” Eromosele stated.
Prof. Eromosele’s emphasis on people-oriented policies and commitment to transforming the state’s dire condition aligns with the concerns of the electorate, showcasing a focus on addressing critical issues. His recent award of excellence from the National Association of University Students reflects his dedication to the education and development of students.
Coming from Edo Central Senatorial District, Prof Eromosele has emphasized the need for his zone to produce the next governor of the state after 24 years of inadequate representation. Fortunately, political pundits and stakeholders appear to share similar sentiments.
Pastor Azehmen Azena
Azehmen Azena faces a formidable challenge entering Nigeria’s complex political landscape. His mission to transform Edo State and her people will demand strategic and practical solutions to address deeply ingrained issues.
Azena’s affiliation with the Labour Party (LP) adds another layer to the complexity, as dismantling the prevailing political culture would be a monumental task. Proper awareness of the necessary changes required to disrupt existing feudal systems will be paramount.
Representing Edo North Senatorial District, Azena’s dedication to Edo citizens accessing a new kind of politics implies a hope for transformation, but it remains to be seen if he can navigate the intricate dynamics of Nigerian politics successfully.
Ultimately, Pastor Azena’s chances of winning the election depend on his ability to translate his energy and vision into practical solutions for the deep-rooted challenges in Edo State. Overcoming the existing political norms would require a strategic and well-executed campaign, focusing on tangible changes affecting the polity.
Dr. Dorry Okojie
Dr. Dorry Okojie’s entry into elective politics with a background in Business Management and a Master’s in Public Administration from reputable UK universities positions him as an educated and potentially fresh perspective in the state’s political landscape.
In addition to coming from Edo Central, being a newcomer might work to his advantage as it offers a clean slate, free from previous political entanglements. The success of Okojie’s candidacy will largely depend on his capacity to translate his achievements and fresh ideas into tangible benefits for the people of the state.
The achievement of milestones in his consultation to secure the Labour Party’s ticket suggests a level of organizational skill and support within the party. However, building trust and credibility with voters will ultimately be the deal breaker for a newcomer like Dr. Dorry Okojie.
The coming weeks will see a lot of political intrigue as we approach the primary election coming up in February. The APC and Labour Party will have to get it right in their primaries to produce a strong candidate because they will be going head to head with the candidate of the ruling PDP in the state who will be enjoying the support of the sitting governor as he aims to produce his successor.
