Edo State is set for a crucial decision today as voters go to the polls to elect a new governor.

With Governor Godwin Obaseki completing his tenure after two terms, the race is now wide open.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), which once held power in the state before Obaseki’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019, is determined to regain its influence.

Among the top contenders vying for leadership are Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Senator Monday Okpebholo representing the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

Seventeen candidates are vying for the governorship position, with sixteen men and one woman in the running.

They include:

Action Alliance, AA, – Tom Iseghohi

New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP – Azena Azemhe Friday

All Progressives Grand Alliance – Osifo Isiah

All Progressives Congress – Senator Monday Okpebholo

People’s Democratic Party – Asue Ighodalo

Labour Party – Olumide Akpata

All People Movement – Ugiagbe Sylvester

All Peoples Party – Areleogbe Osalumese

Action Democratic Party – Kingson Akhime Afere

African Action Congress – Udoh David

Zenith Labour Party – Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena

Boot Party – Osirame Edeipo

Accord Party – Bright Enabulele

African Democratic Congress – Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen

Peoples Redemption Party -Patience Key Ndidi

Young Progressive Party – Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan

Social Democratic Party – Aner Abdullahi Aliu

About nine of the above-mentioned political parties have unanimously endorsed and collapsed their structure into the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

EKWUTOSBLOG will provide situation reports from the state as events unfold.

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has sent his message of Solidarity and wishes of victory to the Labour Party Governorship Candidate in tomorrow’s election in Edo State, Barrister Olumide Akpata.

In his message of solidarity, Governor Otti expressed confidence that the LP Governorship candidate would emerge victorious in the election, becauce the people of the state have confidence in him and in the Labour Party.

Governor Otti assured Barr. Akpata that millions of Labour Party supporters in Abia and beyond are very much with him in spirit and will be praying for his victory as it would mark a historic turning point in the lives of Edo People.

Finally, Governor Otti also called on INEC to ensure that it conducts a free, fair and transparent election come tomorrow and enjoined all stakeholders and voters to ensure that peace reigns, before, during and after the election. He also appealed to the security agencies to maintain their professional neutrality in the process.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
September 20, 2024.

Security forces thwarted a reported assassination attempt on Henry Okojie, a federal representative for the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State. The assailants were identified as armed individuals believed to be political operatives.

Michael Ihaza, Okojie’s media spokesperson, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday, September 20. He reported that Okojie, who is married to actress Mercy Johnson, was targeted at his home by gunmen in a Lexus GX 470 with Rivers State license plates – PHC 253 FF.

The statement emphasized that the planned attack “failed due to the prompt response of security personnel assigned to the lawmaker.”

Photo source: Instagram