Edo election: The Battle for Osadebey Avenue – A symbol of unyielding political power

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On September 21, 2024, the people of Edo will engage in a pivotal democratic process. This election is not just an invitation for all of us to participate but a critical moment that will significantly shape the trajectory of the State, determining its future direction and leadership.

The process will determine whether Edo will regress to the era of godfatherism or continue on the path of freedom. Additionally, it will signify the end of Godwin Obaseki’s tenure as the current Governor, marking a notable shift in the State’s political landscape and holding immense significance for Edo’s future. We all must collaborate to safeguard the election process, ensuring it is free, fair, credible, safe, secure, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will.

In the lead-up to the elections, the three leading candidates, Monday Okpebholo(53) of the APC, Asuerinmen Ighodalo (64) of the PDP and Olumide Anthony Akpata (51) of the LP, are actively engaging with their communities, political allies, families, friends, associates and supporters. Their relentless efforts to secure votes and win the hearts of the Edo voters are a testament to their commitment to the people of Edo and the value they place on each potential vote.

Each of the leading candidates faces its own set of challenges, adding layers of complexity to the upcoming election and highlighting the intricate nature of Nigerian politics.

The APC candidate has been criticized for avoiding engagement with the media and refraining from participating in public discussions to address the people of Edo regarding his plans for the State and his vision for governance if elected as Governor. Many have expressed concerns that the APC candidate relies on proxies and intermediaries to convey his message to the people and that influential figures are backing his gubernatorial ambitions.

The claim by the Edo APC chairman Jarrett Tenebe during an Arise Television interview that the Edo people are unable to afford TV subscriptions to watch their candidate has been viewed as deeply disrespectful to the PDP Obaseki-led government in Edo, the citizens of Edo, and the intelligence of the audience. This is a significant misrepresentation of the situation.

Considering the battle for him to become the party flag bearer for the State. Many believe that the ‘supreme godfather, ‘ had no faith in the APC candidate and was uninterested in seeing Edo Central produce the next Governor; that it was a determined-desperate-committed politician who is widely recognized as a strong influence within Edo politics, a former candidate who has shown up in both PDP and APC as a governorship candidate, is now backing the APC candidate Monday Okpebholo as his protege for the APC candidacy, while the supreme godfather is fronting the deputy candidacy of Dennis Idahosa to leverage this alliance to gain access to the government house, following previous setbacks when he was ringed out in September 2016, by the supreme godfather and was rejected at the ballot by the Edo people in September 2020 when the Edo people who claimed to be progressive resolved that the current Governor must complete his second term (4+4). These intricate political dynamics have raised concerns regarding potential implications for leadership independence, policy formulation, and overall governance effectiveness.

Despite being from Edo Central, the APC candidate faces widespread skepticism regarding his academic qualifications to govern the State effectively. Many argue he lacks the essential public and educational credentials to lead a highly dynamic, socially vibrant, brave, courageous and sophisticated state like Edo. Additionally, given the public’s dissatisfaction with his political party, the APC at the national level, and its management of the country’s economy since assuming power in 2015, especially in the past year under the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the skepticism surrounding his suitability for the role persists.

The PDP candidate has been actively engaging with the people, rallying support through persuasive and articulate speeches, and making determined efforts to reconcile the allegedly divided Edo PDP, which has been experiencing internal conflicts and power struggles. Despite widespread speculations, he has repeatedly denied being the Governor’s protege, emphasizing that it would insult his integrity to insinuate that the Governor is propelling him for the governorship position in Edo state. He emphasized, “I have the autonomy to carefully deliberate and seek advice from close relatives and friends before deciding to pursue the gubernatorial position in Edo State.”

The PDP candidate and their campaign council are facing various challenges. The diminishing popularity and backing for the incumbent Governor, especially in fulfilling his commitments to serving the people of Edo and addressing the concerns of his political party members who feel marginalized, have made the situation even more difficult.

The Governor’s approach to political leadership sets him apart from typical politicians who prioritize personal gain over the well-being of the people. His unconventional political strategies have earned him adversaries within the political sphere, posing a formidable challenge for the PDP and its gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

The Governor faced accusations of manipulating the selection of the governorship candidate and deputy positions. He was said to be unwilling to engage in discussions with individuals who asserted themselves as the rightful owners of the PDP in the State. Following his removal by his former political mentor and influential figure, Adams Oshiomhole, during the APC primary for the September 2020 Governorship election, the party extended support to him, and he became their flag bearer.

It was widely anticipated that the Governor would offer Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama the deputy slot for his party’s September 2024 Governorship election to garner support from the influential Legacy Group within the Edo PDP. Under Jewel Dan Orbih’s leadership, the Legacy Group holds significant sway within the Edo PDP, and their formal endorsement, backed by their mentor and former Rivers State governor, the Emperor, substantially boosted the PDP candidate’s campaign in September 2020.

Despite facing significant challenges, the PDP candidate’s relentless efforts to unite the party and uphold its principles serve as a beacon of hope for the party’s future. His steadfast commitment and confidence in his qualifications and ability to serve as the state executive governor inspire trust and optimism. His dedication to the party’s unity and his proposed governance style, which he intends to implement during his initial four-year leadership term, instill hope for a brighter future.

Many view the LP candidate, Barrister Olumide Anthony Akpata, as a political phenomenon. However, the LP is reportedly gaining momentum and creating a strong impact in the run-up to the state governorship election. The LP’s internal issues in the State, such as factionalism and leadership struggles, seem less complicated as the party tries to resolve them. Many dissenting voices, disenchanted with the mismanagement and governance of the APC and PDP, regard the LP as a credible alternative for the people of Edo to consider. What sets Olumide Akpata apart is his impeccable professional standing following his tenure as NBA President. This positioned him as an individual with a proven track record of leadership and governance, primed with the indispensable skills and experience to govern Edo State and propel it toward an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity.

One of the primary obstacles confronting the LP candidate is his senatorial district and ethnic background. Ethnicity holds considerable significance in Nigeria’s intricate political landscape. Our society has not yet reached a level of development and enlightenment where individuals can disregard ethnic considerations for political convenience.

The leadership of the APC in the State, headed by Adams Oshiomhole from November 2008 to November 2016 and then another eight years under Governor Godwin Obaseki from November 2016 to November 2024, has underscored the marginalization of Edo Central in the State’s development agenda. Consequently, convincing someone from Edo Central to vote for a candidate from Edo South, particularly given that Olumide Apkata hails from the same local government and senatorial area as the current Governor, poses a significant challenge. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Olumide Akpata’s leadership and governance go beyond his local government area, and his vision for Edo state extends beyond zonal and regional boundaries, offering progress and prosperity for all Edo residents.

It’s important to recognize that the average person from Edo highly values justice and fairness in all aspects of life. Convincing the people of Edo Central to support the LP and its candidate and to have confidence in their leadership abilities will be a formidable task. However, unencumbered by the controversies associated with the APC and PDP candidates, presenting a more capable LP candidate could sway public opinion. Nonetheless, ethnic considerations are likely to continue to influence the political landscape.

The upcoming Edo election signifies the ongoing struggle for political power as the battle for Osadebey Avenue takes center stage, symbolizing the pursuit of democratic ideals. All individuals tasked with overseeing the Edo election, including electoral officials, security agents, and law enforcement personnel, have a crucial responsibility to safeguard the rights and safety of the Edo people. They must take all necessary measures to prevent any form of intimidation and coercion, thereby creating an environment where the citizens can freely and confidently exercise their right to vote.

The election’s outcome should reflect the people’s will as expressed through the ballot, ensuring that their leadership choice for the next four years is determined by their collective voice rather than by legal or judicial means, as the people of Edo will decide if the APC and their candidate’s inability to engage with the population, they aim to lead effectively is a deliberate strategy worthy of respect. They will also consider whether the PDP candidate’s inability to speak the local language, Esan, should affect their decision to vote for him. Furthermore, they will evaluate if the LP candidate from the same regional background in Edo South as the current Governor holds significance in voting fairness and decision-making processes.

May Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbiniedion’s auspicious birthday be marked by an abundance of blessings that bring great joy and prosperity. Additionally, may these blessings extend to and positively impact the upcoming Edo election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

Writen by Ahusemere Ogbeide – A social Activist: [email protected]

Edo election: The Battle for Osadebey Avenue – A symbol of unyielding political power

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