Who’s Running for Edo State Governorship? Meet the Top Contenders!

The race for the governorship of Edo State has officially kicked into high gear, drawing intense attention from voters and political analysts alike. 

With the upcoming elections approaching, three prominent candidates from the major political parties, All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP)—are vying for the top leadership position.

Each contender had been showing their unique set of strengths while facing distinct challenges, making the race highly competitive and unpredictable. Here are the leading candidates set to shape Edo State’s future.

Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC)

Senator Monday Okpebholo represents APC’s strong candidate for Edo State governor. Representing Edo Central in the Senate, Okpebholo has earned a reputation for his dedication to rural development and infrastructure improvement.

His legislative work has focused on enhancing the quality of life in his constituency, making him a respected figure within the party and among his constituents.

His campaign focus and strengths

Okpebholo’s campaign is centered on progress and aligning Edo State’s growth with national developments in Abuja. He aims to build upon the achievements of the current administration, which has been pivotal in stabilizing governance in the state. Key areas of his platform include:

• Agricultural Enhancement: Leveraging Edo’s fertile farmlands to boost the economy and create job opportunities for the youth.
• Infrastructure Development: Continuing to improve roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions to support overall state growth.
• Economic Growth: Fostering an environment that attracts investments and supports private-sector initiatives.

His strong grassroots support, particularly in rural areas, provides him with a strategic advantage. Okpebholo’s deep understanding of the needs of underserved communities resonates with many voters who seek tangible improvements in their daily lives.

His challenges

Critics argue that his legislative accomplishments, while commendable, may not translate into the transformative change required for the governorship. Additionally, internal factional disputes within the APC pose a threat to his campaign, as uniting the party’s various factions is crucial for presenting a united front. 

Moreover, swaying urban voters who are increasingly leaning towards opposition parties remains a key challenge for him.

Asue Ighodalo (PDP)

Representing the PDP, Asue Ighodalo brings a diverse and experienced background to the gubernatorial race. A respected lawyer and corporate executive, Ighodalo has served on numerous government advisory boards and corporate boards, showcasing his expertise in finance and governance. 

His extensive experience makes him an appealing candidate for voters seeking economic reform and effective management of state resources.

His campaign focus

Ighodalo’s campaign emphasizes the following key areas:

• Infrastructure Improvement: Focused on enhancing health, education, and transportation systems within Edo State.
• Economic Diversification: Highlighting Edo’s potential in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and technology sectors to create over 50,000 jobs annually.
• Investment Attraction: Implementing policies aimed at attracting investments and fostering private-sector growth through strategic partnerships.

His strong connections in both the public and private sectors, including backing from influential PDP figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, bolster his campaign. Ighodalo’s ability to secure support from various stakeholders positions him as a formidable candidate capable of driving significant economic and infrastructural advancements.

His challenges

Ighodalo strives to overcome the PDP’s mixed legacy in Edo State. Past allegations of corruption and inefficiency have left a mark on the party’s reputation, and convincing voters that he represents a genuine break from the past is essential.

Additionally, while his corporate image appeals to urban voters, connecting with rural populations who favor candidates with grassroots appeal remains a potential obstacle.

Olumide Akpata (LP)

As the Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata introduces a fresh and progressive perspective to the Edo State governorship race. 

A relatively new face in politics, Akpata is well-regarded within the legal community and gained national recognition during his tenure as the immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). His leadership and reformist agenda have energized Edo’s youth and professional classes, positioning him as a candidate for change.

His campaign focus and strengths

Akpata’s campaign is built on the pillars of reform, transparency, and innovation. His key initiatives include:

• Governance Overhaul: Implementing accountability measures and rooting out corruption to ensure transparent and efficient state administration.
• Youth Empowerment: Creating job opportunities through technology and entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to Edo’s young population.
• Technological Advancement: Promoting the use of technology to streamline government processes and enhance service delivery.

His ability to connect with young voters and professionals could be a significant advantage, especially as the Labour Party continues to gain traction as a third force in Nigerian politics. Akpata’s vision for a modernized and transparent Edo State resonates with voters eager for a new direction.

His challenges 

Despite his growing popularity, Akpata faces challenges in establishing a robust political infrastructure capable of competing with the more established APC and PDP candidates. 

The Labour Party’s limited influence in Edo State means that Akpata must work diligently to build grassroots support and expand his party’s reach. Additionally, translating his popularity among urban electorates into broader state-wide support is crucial for his success.