As residents of Edo State head to the polls today, the three major political parties have declared their readiness for the election.
With over 2.2 million permanent voter cards collected, candidates from the All Progressives Congress (Senator Monday Okpebholo), Peoples Democratic Party (Asue Ighodalo), and Labour Party (Olumide Akpata) are competing for the highest number of votes.
The winner will assume the position at Osadebe House, which the incumbent, Governor Godwin Obaseki, will vacate on November 11, after serving two terms.
Peter Uwadiae, Publicity Secretary of the APC in Edo, expressed confidence in his party’s preparedness for the election. He stated, “Our campaign has shown our readiness, adhering to legal requirements, and remaining issue-based. We are fully prepared. However, we are concerned about reports of a known individual, involved in the killing of a police officer at Benin Airport, mobilizing for trouble in Edo Central.”
Dr. Pedro Obaseki, Deputy Director General of Media for the Asue/Ighodalo campaign, raised concerns about potential disruptions by thugs, particularly in areas like Oredo, Egor, Uhunmwonde, and parts of Ovia Federal Constituency. Labour Party’s Public Relations Officer, Sam Uruopa, confirmed that Akpata and the party are ready for the polls. He urged INEC to remain impartial and security forces to avoid intimidating the electorate.
Uruopa emphasized Akpata’s preparedness, noting that he visited all 18 local governments and over 193 wards, including riverine areas, where he received strong support. He also called on INEC to be a neutral umpire, ensuring fairness throughout the process.
The primary battleground is expected to be in Edo Central, where both Okpebholo and Ighodalo are from. Okpebholo is confident that his experience under the late Tony Anenih and the support of Edo Central voters will work in his favor. In Edo North, the APC remains strong, though the PDP has gained ground since last year’s presidential election.
Ighodalo hopes to rely on his party’s popularity in parts of Edo South, while Akpata has built support throughout the state despite his surprising emergence as the Labour Party candidate.
INEC has confirmed that electoral materials have been distributed to all 18 local government areas, with measures in place for a smooth and secure election. A senior INEC official reassured citizens that the election would proceed without tension, emphasizing cooperation between security forces and INEC staff.
President Bola Tinubu called for peaceful conduct from all participants, urging respect for democratic processes and the people’s will. He praised the campaigns and expressed confidence in the professionalism of security agencies and INEC officials.
Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, expressed concerns over potential vote-buying and violence, particularly in Edo South, urging vigilance by security forces. Meanwhile, civil society groups have called on INEC to use this election to restore public trust in its processes, while also praising the suspension of the Edo State Security Network ahead of the vote.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the restriction of movement from 6 am to 6 pm on Election Day, with exceptions for essential services. Citizens have been encouraged to report any suspicious activities.
Panic buying was observed across the state as residents rushed to markets, motor parks, and petrol stations to prepare for the election. Hotels were also fully booked by party supporters and voters, with a heavy security presence around them.
Lastly, the state government raised alarms over attempts by political thugs to overrun INEC offices in some local government areas, commending the military for preventing disruptions in Oredo.
