As the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election approaches, various factors are likely to influence the outcome of the poll. In an opinion piece published by Ozioruva Aliu in Punch Newspaper, several factors were highlighted, including the Esan Factor, the Obedient Movement strategy adopted by the LP candidate, Olamide Apkata, political affiliations, independent-minded voters, amongst others.
Two factors that caught our attention in Ozioruva Aliu’s opinion piece are the Esan and the Edo South Factor.
As he wrote:
Esan, previously a PDP enclave due to the legendary political exploits of the late Chief Tony Anenih until Okpebholo’s victory in 2023. The only time the opposition won elections in the area was in 1999 and 2012”.
He also raised the debate by some that the PDP candidate is a ‘stranger’ in his homeland compared to Okpebholo who has been with them right from his childhood to date. Interesting!
Let’s now take a look at what he had to say concerning Edo South.
“Undoubtedly, Edo South would be the battleground next Saturday largely because it hosts the highest number of voters.
The three most populated local government areas in the state are located in the area.
They include Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha and even part of Ovia North East. The three major parties, LP, PDP, APC have a large number of followers there.
Ikpoba-Okha, which currently has the highest number of registered voters in Edo State is where the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, Osarodion Ogie.
Several bigwigs of the three political parties are from Edo South.
They include Akpata, Governor Godwin Obaseki, his Chief of Staff, Osaigbovo Iyoha, Director General of PDP Campaign Organisation, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and his APC counterpart, Sen. Matthew Uroghide.
The Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbindeion, his son and former governor, Lucky Igbinedion are from the zone.
Others are former governor of the state, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, former deputy governors, Lucky Imasuen and Dr Pius Odubu, Charles Idahosa, Major General Charles Airhivabere,retd, Patrick Aisoweren, Samson Osagie, Saturday Uwalekue, Sen. Roland Owie, Owere Dickson Imasogie, EJ Agbonayinma, Nosa Adams, Tony Adun, Tim Osadolor, Osakpamwan Eriyo, Martyins Osakue, Mr and Mrs Harrison Omagbon and several other heavy weights.”
Thorough research there. Accolades!
However, recent developments have brought other factors to the fore, posing a significant threat not only to the Esan Agenda but also to the integrity of the democratic process itself, come September 21st. These factors include:
The Use of Federal Might
The Edo Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, has been accused of being a tool of the APC, while the State Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, has been alleged to be a close ally of Wike, a strong opposition of the PDP.
Petitions and appeals have been made to the president’s by several groups to redeploy these two persons who serve as key players in influencing the outcome of Edo election.
Why has the President refused to yield to the appeals and petitions for the redeployment despite allegations of partisanship?
Is the President’s silence on this issue a tacit endorsement of the potential manipulation of the electoral process?
Does the President’s inaction suggest that the Edo election is not a priority?
What role does the President’s relationship with key stakeholders, including Wike and the APC, play in his decision-making process regarding the Edo election?
Security Agents and Insecurity
Another factor is the recent use of security agents. The case of Blessing Agbomhere, who wore a police uniform to campaign for the APC and threatened the current governor, is a disturbing example of this trend. This blatant abuse of power and disregard for the law could intimidate voters and undermine the credibility of the election.
The cases of illegal arrest, detention, and intimidation of PDP stalwarts by security agents from Abuja and the manner at which they were hurriedly charged to court raises questions about the role of security agencies in the election.
Furthermore, the surge in insecurity in the state, particularly after Monday Okpebholo promised to give the people of Edo State “insecurity” in one of his campaign speeches, is a worrying trend. This could be a deliberate attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, which could impact voter turnout and the overall outcome of the election.
These factors, combined with the Esan Obedient Movement, political affiliations, independent-minded voters, and personal appeal highlighted in the opinion piece, raise salient questions about the credibility and fairness of the election. Will the use of federal might, security agents, and intimidation tactics influence the outcome of the election? Can the people of Edo State trust the security agencies and INEC to ensure a free and fair election?
As the election approaches, it is essential to address these concerns and ensure that the process is transparent, credible, and fair.
The people of Edo State deserve nothing less.
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