By current matters
At last, September 21 2024, has come for the people of Edo to make a clear choice of who leads them for another four years, the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki having spent close to eight years in office.
Overall, seventeen political parties are vying to succeed the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the state, Out of the number, sixteen are male while one is female.
However, there are three contenders that stand out for the state’s coveted seat. They are, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,a former chairman of Sterling Bank who hails from Edo Central . There is also Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress APC from Edo Central and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata,a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.coming from Edo South Senatorial District.
Before the D- Day, intensive campaigns were held by political parties and their flagbearers across the 18 local government areas of the state . While some engaged in venomous campaigns that aimed to either distabilise their opponents or inadvertently confuse the electorates,others simply focused on the course of their mission. Of course, we heard frequent use of the word ” Baren” and wifeless ” among supporters of political gladiators. But that is history as the day to make decisions has finally come. The decision the people make would either make them economically, politically and socially or mortgage their future in such a way that they unleash their frustrations on the central government just as many non performing states in the nation without recourse to the fact that three tiers of government constitutionally exist.
Good or bad, a victor will emerge in the ” do or die” election.
Already,as early as 7 o’clock in the morning, voters have turned up in some polling units in Benin city, the state capital and environs. The state is charged with fear of the unknown. There is fear of heavy federal might. There is palpable fear in Edo Central where two frontline candidates hail from. Some voters are excited to vote seeing the election as a vehicle to choose their own and protect their interest,a few are still undecided. Abigail a mother of two,told our reporter ” I’m not excited, this election won’t put food on my table” Another,a bricklayer who would not have his name published said ” I have decided to vote for my person today because it’s our turn” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC had assured that the process would be free and fair , the police have also promised to rid elements of distabilisation from polling booths. In truth with their promise, the police arrested suspected political thugs on the eve of election and further threatened to give trouble makers a show down.
From all indications, the die is cast. Who succeeds Obaseki? Will it be Okpebholo or Ighodalo? Will it be Akpata? Let whoever has the guts to serve the people win. Let whoever has the Lord’s annointiing and the people’s choice have the day.It’s the people’s decision after all.
