On September 21, 2024, voters in Edo State will head to the polls to elect a new governor. Among the top contenders are Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2,249,780 out of the 2,629,025 registered voters have collected their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), leaving 379,245 PVCs unclaimed. Voting will take place in 4,519 polling units across the state.
A total of 17 candidates are in the race, with 16 men and 1 woman. Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates:
– Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC): Hailing from Esan Central, Okpebholo is currently serving as a senator for Edo Central.
– Asue Ighodalo (PDP): A prominent figure from Esan South-East, Ighodalo is a former chairman of Sterling Bank and served as an economic adviser to ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
– Olumide Akpata (Labour Party): The ex-chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akpata was a senior partner at Templars law firm before joining the race.
Other notable candidates include Tom Iseghohi of the Action Alliance, Azena Azemhe Friday of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, and the only female contestant, Patience Key Ndidi of the Peoples Redemption Party.
With the race heating up, all eyes will be on Edo State as it prepares for a competitive and closely-watched election.
