The Edo State gubernatorial election is set to take place within 24 hours, with four main candidates emerging as frontrunners.
From an initial field of 17 contenders, the race appears to have narrowed to a contest primarily between the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The candidates have presented distinct visions and plans for the future of Edo State, from promises of economic transformation and infrastructure development to focusing on education and healthcare reforms.
Below are the profiles of the four major contenders, including their educational backgrounds, experiences, and campaign promises:
Asuerinme Ighodalo (PDP)
Ighodalo is a corporate lawyer and co-founder of ‘Banwo & Ighodalo’, one of Nigeria’s top law firms specialising in business law.
Besides extensive experience in corporate finance, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions, Ighodalo is also known for his leadership roles in organisations like Sterling Bank and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
He gained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Ighodalo emerged as the PDP Candidate with 577 votes. His campaign focused on economic development, education reform, and infrastructure improvement.
His manifesto, tagged “Pathway to Prosperity For All,” also promises security, women and youth development, education, agriculture and food security, rural and community development, and other strategies to uplift the standard of living in Edo State.
The governorship candidate has promised to respect and uphold the role of religious and traditional institutions, the elderly, and other stakeholders in nurturing the spiritual and moral well-being of the state.
He also pledged to engage them in meaningful dialogue and partnerships to foster peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding among faiths.
Ighodalo’s campaign promises include creation of an environment with access to healthcare and social services, including free public transportation for the elderly and other community programs tailored to their needs.
He also pledged to build on the achievements of the current administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki and drive Edo toward “the next level of prosperity.”
Barrister Olumide Akpata (Labour Party)
Akpata hails from Ovia South-West Local Government Area and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Benin.
He previously served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and earned respect for pushing legal reforms and advocating for judicial independence.
Akpata’s manifesto outlines comprehensive plans for social justice, economic empowerment, and improved public service delivery.
Akpata promised during his campaign to bring transparency and accountability to governance, with emphasis on job creation, healthcare, and security reforms.
His campaign promise includes a focus on sustainable development and job creation through the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Akpata also placed emphasis on revamping the educational sector in Edo State. His plans include improving educational infrastructure, ensuring better training and remuneration for teachers, and implementing policies that enhance access to quality education for all.
Monday Okpebholo (APC)
Okpebholo, from Esan Central Local Government Area, has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
Also known as “Akpakomiza,” Okpebholo is an influential businessman and politician with deep roots in Edo’s agricultural sector. He is known for his philosophy and efforts to boost agricultural productivity.
Okpebholo pledged to ensure the rapid modernisation of Edo’s infrastructure, create opportunities for youth employment, improve rural development, and create jobs through industrialisation.
His campaign touched on rural empowerment, enhancement of agricultural outputs and provision of better opportunities for Edo’s youth.
Dr. Azemhe Azena (NNPP)
Dr. Azena, 45, is a medical doctor and healthcare advocate. Born in Okpella, he comes from the Okpekpe clan in the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The NNPP candidate said he prayed before deciding to run and sees his candidacy as a vision to elevate the poor.
Notably, he also serves as a Senior Pastor of The Omega Fire Ministry (OFM), operating under the leadership of Apostle Johnson Suleman.
A relatively new face in Edo politics, Azena’s campaign platform prioritises healthcare reform, agricultural development, and the empowerment of women and youth.
He promises to leverage Edo’s agricultural resources to boost food security, improve healthcare access, and enhance educational opportunities. Azena also pledges to fight corruption and ensure transparency in governance.
On infrastructure, Azena promised to construct roads at all levels. He plans to reposition agriculture to enable farmers to produce more, citing previous administratios’ alleged neglection of Edo farms.
He promised to enhance security and provide farmers with zero-interest loans to help them return to farming. Additionally, he aims to cut down the cost of governance.
Although Azena is believed to be at a disadvantage due to his lack of popularity in the state, his campaign council stated that his presence in the party has given it a significant boost.
In August, Azena suspended his campaigns to sit for his first semester 500-Level Law examinations at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.
In May 2024, INEC displayed the list of governorship candidates of the 17 political parties contesting the September 21 election in Edo State.
The list includes candidates from various parties such as Action Alliance (AA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).