Edo State Heads to the Polls for Off-Cycle Elections
In a closely watched election, residents of Edo State in Nigeria will cast their ballots today to elect a new governor, marking the end of Governor Obaseki’s two constitutional terms. The election comes at a time when the state’s politics have been shaped by the decampment of the sitting governor to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is hopeful of reclaiming power in the state, having previously held the top spot before the crisis that led to Obaseki’s departure. The leading contenders for the governorship position include Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.
According to Media Talk Africa, a total of 17 candidates are vying for the governorship position, with 16 men and one woman in the running. The candidates include:
- Action Alliance (AA) – Tom Iseghohi
- New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – Azena Azemhe Friday
- All Progressives Grand Alliance – Osifo Isiah
- All Progressives Congress – Senator Monday Okpebholo
- People’s Democratic Party – Asue Ighodalo
- Labour Party – Olumide Akpata
- All People Movement – Ugiagbe Sylvester
- All Peoples Party – Areleogbe Osalumese
- Action Democratic Party – Kingson Akhime Afere
- African Action Congress – Udoh David
- Zenith Labour Party – Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena
- Boot Party – Osirame Edeipo
- Accord Party – Iyere Kennedy
- African Democratic Congress – Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen
- Peoples Redemption Party – Patience Key Ndidi
- Young Progressive Party – Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan
- Social Democratic Party – Aner Abdullahi Aliu
Notably, nine political parties have unanimously endorsed and collapsed their structure into the APC in the state ahead of the election. Media Talk Africa will provide situation reports from these states as events unfold.
With the stakes high, Edo State residents will hope to make informed decisions at the polls, determining the future direction of their state.