Voters in Edo State will, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, head to the polls to elect a new governor.
Among the frontrunners for the top job are Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that out of the 2,629,025 registered voters in Edo State, a total of 2,249,780 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) have been collected ahead of the election, leaving 379,245 PVCs uncollected (14.43%).
Voting will take place across 4,519 polling units throughout the state.
Seventeen candidates, including sixteen men and one woman, are vying for the governorship position.
Below is an overview of each candidate:
All Progressives Congress (APC) – Senator Monday Okpebholo
Senator Monday Okpebholo hails from Udomi in Uwesan-Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area. Currently, he serves as a senator representing Edo Central senatorial district under the APC banner.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) – Asue Ighodalo
Asue Ighodalo, from Okaigben, Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area, is a prominent figure in Edo Central.
He is a former chairman of Sterling Bank and has served as an economic adviser to former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the current Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Labour Party (LP) – Olumide Akpata
Olumide Akpata is the former national chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He previously held the position of senior partner and head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars law firm until August 31, 2023.
Action Alliance (AA) – Tom Iseghohi
Tom Iseghohi, once the Group Managing Director of the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, left the role in 2014. He currently serves as the Chairman of Emerging Global Capital.
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – Azena Azemhe Friday
Azena Azemhe Friday is a South-South regional pastor at Omega Fire Ministries. He is from Okpekpe in Etsako-East Local Government Area, within the Edo North senatorial district.
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – Osifo Isiah
Osifo Isiah is a former chief of staff to ex-Edo State Governor Oserheimen Osunbor and a former chairman of Uhunmwonde Local Government Council. He is from Imalele Osifo quarters in Uvbenisi, Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
All People Movement (APM) – Ugiagbe Sylvester
Ugiagbe Sylvester, the APM flagbearer, holds a degree from Auchi Polytechnic.
All Peoples Party (APP) – Areleogbe Osalumese
An accountant by profession, Areleogbe Osalumese is a native of Ewohimi in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
Action Democratic Party (ADP) – Kingson Akhime Afere
Kingson Akhime Afere, 37, ran for the Edo North senatorial post in the 2023 election but lost to Adams Oshiomhole.
African Action Congress (AAC) – Udoh David
At 37 years old, Udoh David is the AAC candidate. He hails from Emu in Esan South Local Government Area.
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) – Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena
Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena, aged 43, holds a bachelor’s degree. He has chosen Idubor Joyce as his running mate for the election.
Boot Party (BP) – Osirame Edeipo
Osirame Edeipo, 47, holds a bachelor’s degree. His running mate is Omorogbe Kingsley.
Accord Party (AP) – Iyere Kennedy
Iyere Kennedy, a human rights advocate, withdrew from the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial election on Friday.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) – Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen
Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen is an engineer whose campaign vision is to transform Edo State into a hub of prosperity, innovation, and opportunity.
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) – Patience Key Ndidi
Patience Key Ndidi is the only female candidate in the race. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and humanitarian, she is from Ekhekhen in Igueben Local Government Area.
Young Progressive Party (YPP) – Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan
Paul Okungbowa Ovbokhan is an educationist, entrepreneur, and life coach with a degree from the University of Benin.
Social Democratic Party (SDP) – Aner Abdullahi Aliu
According to INEC records, Aner Abdullahi Aliu holds a WAEC certificate. He firmly believes that the SDP represents Edo State’s best hope for positive change.