The Edo State 2024 Governorship Election is one of the most anticipated political events in Nigeria, drawing attention from political enthusiasts, analysts, and Nigerians.
As the election date approaches, it’s crucial to stay informed about the key details, including the date of the election, the main candidates, voter registration statistics, and other essential information.
Here is a comprehensive guide, providing an insight on everything you need to know about the Edo Governorship Election.
Election date
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Edo Governorship Election to take place on 21 September 2024.
According to a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, INEC has set this date to ensure adequate preparation and smooth conduct of the election process.
As a result, voters across the state are expected to turn out in large numbers to elect their next governor.
Major candidates
All Progressives Congress (APC)
The APC, one of Nigeria’s major political parties, has fielded Senator Monday Okpebholo as its governorship candidate.
Okpebholo hails from the Edo Central zone, secured his party’s candidacy to mark a pivotal moment in his career and set the stage for a highly anticipated electoral contest.
Known for community development initiatives and reputation of dedicated public servant and philanthropist, the APC candidate has promised to provide free transportation services to residents, recognising the crucial role of mobility in economic and social activities.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Representing the PDP, Asue Ighodalo is a formidable contender in the Edo Governorship Election.
The PDP candidate’s campaign manifesto, tagged “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” highlights the pathway to security, women and youth development, education, agriculture and food security, and rural and community development, among others, as strategies to uplift the standard of living in Edo State.
Ighodalo also vowed to prioritize respect for traditional and religious institutions, industrialisation, care for the children and vulnerable in society, and harnessing the importance of the diaspora for better working relationships to foster development in all parts of the state.
Labour Party (LP)
The Labour Party, gaining increasing popularity, has nominated a former national chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata for the governorship race.
He said his candidacy brings a fresh wave of optimism and promise, resonating strongly with the electorate.
Akpata’s campaign manifesto outlines comprehensive plans for economic revitalization, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Registered voters
According to INEC’s published statistics of registered voters, Edo State has 2,501,318 Permanent Voter Cards.
The INEC National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Edo State, Prof Rhoda Gumus announced that 373,030 Permanent Voter Cards were yet to be collected by registered voters in the state.
This figure reflects the growing political awareness and engagement among Edo residents, who are keen to exercise their democratic rights.
Number of collected PVCs
Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are essential for participating in the election.
According to INEC, 2,128,288 PVCs have been collected by registered voters.
This number is a critical indicator of the electorate’s readiness and enthusiasm for the upcoming election.
Key issues and campaign themes
The Edo Governorship Election campaigns have revolved around several critical issues, including:
Economic development: Candidates have emphasized their plans to boost the state’s economy through various initiatives aimed at job creation, industrialization, and investment in infrastructure.
Education and healthcare: Promises to improve the education and healthcare sectors are prominent in candidates’ manifestos, reflecting the public’s demand for better services.
Security: Addressing security concerns, especially in rural areas, has been a major talking point, with candidates outlining their strategies to enhance safety and reduce crime rates.
[Vanguard]