Edo 2024: How Ethnic Factors and Political Movements Could Shape the Upcoming Governorship Election

With ethnic interests, party affiliations, and the influence of movements like the “Obidient,” the September 21 Edo governorship poll promises a complex battle among key political players

Edo 2024: Ethnic Considerations and Political Movements Could Shape Saturday’s Governorship Election

In the highly anticipated Edo governorship election 2024, ethnic considerations, party loyalties, and political movements such as the “Obidient” are poised to play crucial roles in determining the outcome. As voters across the state prepare for the September 21 polls, the interplay between these factors adds complexity to the race.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially listed 17 political parties for the election, with adjustments made to the final candidate list due to court rulings. The three leading candidates—representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP)—have been actively campaigning across Edo’s 18 local government areas, employing different strategies to win over voters.

The Role of the “Obidient Movement” and Labour Party’s Surge

One of the most talked-about factors in the Edo governorship election 2024 is the “Obidient Movement.” Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, aims to capitalize on the momentum created by Peter Obi during the 2023 general elections, where LP secured significant victories in Edo State, including a senatorial seat and two House of Representatives seats. Akpata has engaged the “Obidient” supporters in his campaign, with Peter Obi visiting Edo twice to drum up support for him. The Labour Party’s message has resonated with voters looking for a change, and Akpata’s promise to focus on agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure mirrors this sentiment.

Ethnic Factors: A Key Determinant

Ethnic considerations remain a major factor in the Edo governorship election 2024, as each senatorial district harbors its own political ambitions. In Edo Central, predominantly Esan territory, the desire for an Esan governor has been strong, especially as the region historically aligned with the PDP. Despite the rise of APC in the area with recent electoral victories, the question of whether Esan voters will stay loyal to the PDP remains critical.

In Edo North, the presence of political heavyweight Adams Oshiomhole bolsters the APC’s chances. Edo North was one of the few areas the “Obidient Movement” failed to dominate in the 2023 election, and the region continues to support the APC, even after Oshiomhole’s fallout with Governor Godwin Obaseki. Oshiomhole’s influence, along with the region’s loyalty to APC, presents a formidable challenge for both PDP and LP candidates.

Tension Between Major Political Parties

The Edo governorship election 2024 is not without its share of tensions, as PDP and APC continue to accuse each other of potential rigging and engage in heated exchanges. Campaigns have escalated into physical altercations between the two major parties, reflecting the intensity of this electoral battle. With political bigwigs from all three major parties hailing from different parts of Edo South, the region—which holds the highest number of voters—will likely determine the final outcome.

Labour Party candidate Akpata, PDP’s governorship candidate, and APC’s hopeful will all compete fiercely in Edo South, particularly in areas like Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, and Egor, which hold significant political influence.

A Closely Contested Poll

As the governorship election approaches, the outcome remains uncertain. The combination of ethnic loyalties, independent-minded voters, political allegiances, and external influences such as the “Obidient Movement” will undoubtedly shape Edo’s political landscape. Whether Edo Central remains loyal to the PDP or if Edo North stays firmly with APC, only the ballots on September 21 will tell.