Today, Thursday, September 19, 2024, is the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s, deadline for the cessation of all campaigns for the Edo State Governorship Election coming up on Saturday, September 21.

It has been a very feisty and acrimonious electioneering period for the 16 political parties and their candidates lining up for the election.

It is essentially a three-horse race. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is a veteran lawyer, boardroom guru and Governor Obaseki’s preferred successor-candidate. Monday Okpebholo of the APC is a seasoned politician and being chiefly marketed by a former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole.

Also, Olumide Akpata is the very successful former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, flying the flag of the Labour Party, LP, and riding the crest of the Obidients Movement in Edo State.

The Edo electorate is faced with the choice of either trusting the political parties and leaders who have run their affairs before, or taking a chance on a new and different road to their future.

But the fear of violence is so pervasive in the state. Indeed, Violence and fear of vote-buy are the main issues threatening the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s election. This is more so with the suspicion that  President Bola Tinubu’s comment that he would give the state back  to the people meant that he would use state power or “federal might” to hijack the mandate of the Edo people. The fear arising from this  is understandable. 

Even Governor Obaseki questioned why he should sign the usual peace pact and undertaking to accept the results of the election or go to court as mandated by the National Peace Committee led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar who visited him in Benin City. He said his party stalwarts were being arrested and taken to Abuja.

After the Kogi governorship election in November 2023 when Tinubu was still consolidating his hold on power, the Edo governorship election is the first he will be overseeing fully in charge. What he does with the powers of his office could be a major marker for future elections under his watch.

All stakeholders must reduce the tension and play by the rules. Nothing short of a free and fair election in Edo State is expected.