As the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election approaches, the political landscape is heating up. However, a concerning trend has emerged: the reluctance of some candidates to engage directly with the electorate. This piece examines the current state of affairs and argues for the critical importance of open dialogue between candidates and voters.

The Frontrunners

Three candidates have emerged as the most visible in this race:

1. Asue Ighodalo

Background
– Full Name: Asuerinme Ighodalo
– Origin: Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East LGA, Edo State, Nigeria
– Profession: Lawyer and Politician

Professional Experience
– Founding partner of Banwo-and-Ighodalo law firm
– Specializes in Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, Energy & Natural Resources, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Securitization, and Project Finance
– Former Chairman of Sterling Bank
– Former Director at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
– Former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)

Legal Expertise
– Corporate and commercial law practice
– Advises major corporations on various aspects of business law

Political Aspirations
– Candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election

2. Monday Okpebholo

Background
– Born: August 29, 1970
– **Origin**: Udomi-Uwessan community of Irrua, Esan Central LGA, Edo State

Education
– Primary: Udomi Community Primary School, Uwesan Irrua
– Secondary: Ujabhole Community Secondary School, Uwesan Irrua; completed in Jos, Plateau State
– Tertiary:
– Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, University of Abuja
– Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Policy and Leadership Studies, University of Abuja

Political Career
– Elected Senator for Edo Central senatorial district (February 25, 2023)
– Inaugurated into the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria (June 13, 2023)
– Won the Edo State APC gubernatorial primary election (February 2024)

Political Aspirations
– Candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election. Okpebholo has notably been less visible in direct media engagements compared to his counterparts.

3. Olumide Akpata

Background
– Full Name: Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata
– Born: October 7, 1972
– Origin: Edo South Senatorial district, Edo State
– Profession: Legal Practitioner and Politician

Professional Experience
– Former senior partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars law firm
– Resigned on August 31, 2023, to pursue partisan politics
– Elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association in July 2020
– First non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 28 years to hold this position

Notable Activities
– Hosted “KingsWeek 2023” with the Old Boys Association, King’s College, Lagos (September 2023)
– Met with the School Captain of King’s College for the 2023/2024 Academic Session

Political Aspirations
– Pursuing partisan politics (as of August 2023)
– Candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election

The Crux of the Matter

While Ighodalo and Akpata have been actively engaging with the media and participating in debates, Senator Okpebholo’s approach has been markedly different. His reluctance to speak directly to the public and media has raised eyebrows and sparked debate both within Edo State and across Nigeria.

Instead, Okpebholo has relied on proxies to speak on his behalf. Most prominently, former Edo State governor and current Senator for Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has stepped into the fray. However, Oshiomhole’s recent track record in such endeavors is questionable. His attempts to promote APC candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 election backfired spectacularly, largely due to Oshiomhole’s previous criticisms of Ize-Iyamu.

A Media Misstep

The situation came to a head on August 29, 2024, during an Arise News Morning Show interview with APC state chairman Jaret Tenebe. The interview, painful to watch, began with host Reuben Abati offering to accommodate Senator Okpebholo in any language of his choice, including pidgin or Edo language. This opening, while pointed, underscored the growing frustration with Okpebholo’s absence from public discourse.

Tenebe’s attempts to justify his candidate’s media absence were not only unconvincing but also insulting to the people of Edo State. His claims that Edo residents can’t afford cable TV or data, and that they aren’t enlightened or interested in television, are grossly out of touch with reality.

Edo State: A Hub of Education and Enlightenment

Contrary to Tenebe’s assertions, Edo State boasts a rich educational heritage and an informed populace.

Education in Edo State

Edo State has made significant strides in education through its EdoBEST (Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation) program. This initiative has revolutionized learning outcomes for over 370,000 children across the state, encompassing:

– 1,029 public primary schools
– 232 junior secondary schools

The EdoBEST program demonstrates Edo State’s commitment to improving educational standards and preparing its youth for the future.

The Need for Apologies and Direct Engagement

Tenebe and the APC owe the people of Edo State an unreserved apology for these disparaging remarks. Furthermore, an apology is due to Arise News for questioning its viewership, especially given Tenebe’s own appearance on the platform.

Conclusion

As we approach this crucial election, it is imperative that all candidates engage directly with the electorate. The people of Edo State deserve to see, hear, and evaluate their potential leaders firsthand. Proxies and spokespeople cannot substitute for the candidates themselves in this vital democratic process.

The citizens of Edo State are educated, enlightened, and eager to participate in their governance. It’s time for all candidates to respect this fact and step into the public arena, ready to debate, discuss, and share their visions for the future of Edo State.

Aledeh is a journalist/Arise News Anchor and writes from Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.