The 2024 Edo State governorship election has captivated unprecedented interest, transforming what was traditionally a two-horse race into a three-way contest. The major contenders—Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP)—have brought forth a web of intrigue that has shaped the pre-election period and will undoubtedly influence the political landscape post-election.
While the spotlight is on the big three parties, even lesser-known parties like Accord have not escaped the drama. In a surprising twist, Kennedy Iyere, listed as Accord’s candidate by INEC, was sidelined by his running mate, Dr. Bright Enabulele, who boldly claimed that party leadership had chosen him to replace Iyere. Despite Iyere's protests, Enabulele has been leading the campaign. This internal rift in Accord, while largely overlooked, mirrors the political maneuvering that has defined the campaigns of the major parties.
The APC’s journey to selecting Senator Monday Okpebhelo as their candidate was marked by bitter conflicts. Originally, Rep. Dennis Idahosa had won the party’s primary under the supervision of Governor Hope Uzodimma, but his victory was short-lived. Instead, Okpebhelo, backed by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and some influential party members, emerged as the final candidate. This decision was part of a larger political calculus favoring Edo Central, a region that has yet to fully control the governorship.
However, the process was far from smooth. Okpebhelo’s selection was met with strong resistance from former governor and political heavyweight Adams Oshiomhole, who supported Idahosa. Although Okpebhelo won the rerun primary, Oshiomhole’s grip on the party was evident when he pushed for Idahosa to be named as Okpebhelo’s running mate, overriding the candidate’s initial choice of Rep. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. This decision underscored the lingering power dynamics within the APC, with Oshiomhole emerging as a dominant force in shaping the party's future.
The PDP’s internal conflicts were no less dramatic. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s push to install Dr. Asue Ighodalo, a corporate figure with limited political experience, as the party’s candidate sparked backlash from the party’s original members. Many felt betrayed, particularly those who had followed Obaseki from the APC to the PDP, often at the cost of their political relationships. Among those most aggrieved was Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, whose strained loyalty to Obaseki only deepened the divide.
Obaseki’s decision to pair Ighodalo with Osarodion Ogie as his running mate, sidelining the PDP's mainstream once again, further inflamed tensions. This move alienated Chief Dan Orbih, leader of the PDP's Legacy faction. In response, Orbih mobilized his supporters against Obaseki’s ticket, echoing the intraparty divisions that plagued the APC. Although efforts were made to reconcile Orbih by naming him to the PDP’s governorship campaign council, he publicly rejected the position, maintaining his opposition to Obaseki’s candidate.
While the APC and PDP were embroiled in internal strife, the Labour Party’s candidate, Akpata, entered the race with a unique advantage. Representing Edo’s largest ethnic group, which accounts for about 60% of the voting population, Akpata has drawn fervent support from both the Obidient Movement and a portion of the electorate looking for a break from the traditional power blocs.
However, Akpata’s campaign faces challenges from the entrenched political elite in Benin City, who have largely thrown their weight behind the PDP’s Ighodalo. Despite the ethnic and demographic appeal of his candidacy, Akpata will need to overcome the combined influence of the political establishment if he is to mount a serious challenge.
As Edo heads to the polls, the power struggles, alliances, and betrayals that defined the emergence of the major candidates are likely to shape the post-election landscape. The fallout from the APC and PDP primaries, in particular, will influence governance in the state, with conflicting political allegiances potentially creating instability. Okpebhelo’s relationship with Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu, and the party hierarchy will be critical in determining the future of the APC, while the PDP’s internal divisions could leave Ighodalo struggling to consolidate power.
Whatever the outcome, the political future of Edo State will be defined by the intrigues that brought the candidates to the forefront. As the electorate casts their votes, they will also be determining the path forward for a state steeped in political machinations.