The Edo State governorship election kicks off today, Saturday, September 21, 2024.
It is an off-cycle election, separate from the general elections, as a result of an election litigation that disrupted the regular cycle of elections in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has promised a free and fair electoral process; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured maximum security during the entire process, with a 12-hour curfew imposed in the state beginning from 6:00am this morning till 6:00pm; the President, Bola Tinubu urged stakeholders to ensure democratic process is followed; Civil Society Organizations have urged political parties to play by the rules.
While all eyes are on three major candidates, there are, however, 17 candidates in the race for the Edo governorship seat — comprising 16 men and one woman.
Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress are the leading candidates.
Other candidates are:
Uwaifo Osaro — Action Alliance
Aner Aliu — Social Democratic Party
Azena Azemhe Friday — New Nigeria Peoples Party
Osifo Isiah — All Progressives Grand Alliance
Ugiagbe Sylvester — All People Movement
Areleogbe Osalumese — All Peoples Party
Akhime Afere — Action Democratic Party
Udoh David — African Action Congress
Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena — Zenith Labour Party
Osirame Edeipo — Boot Party
Iyere Kennedy — Accord Party
Obazele Agbone — African Democratic Congress
Key Ndidi — Peoples Redemption Party
Okungbowa Ovbokhan — Young Progressive Party
