As voters in Edo State cast their ballots today, the three major political parties—All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP)—have expressed confidence in their campaigns. Over 2.2 million permanent voter cards have been collected, setting the stage for a fierce battle between Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC), Asue Ighodalo (PDP), and Olumide Akpata (LP). The victor will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose term ends on 11 November.
The APC’s state Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae, affirmed the party’s readiness, citing a robust campaign, though he raised concerns about potential electoral violence, accusing PDP leaders in Edo South of stirring trouble. Similarly, Dr Pedro Obaseki, Deputy Director General of the Ighodalo campaign, expressed fear that thugs may disrupt the voting process in key constituencies.
Labour Party’s Public Relations Officer, Sam Uruopa, called for fairness from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that Akpata had toured all 18 local governments to secure voter support. The battleground is expected to centre on Edo Central, where both Okpebholo and Ighodalo have strong ties. However, Edo North, a traditional APC stronghold, has seen the PDP gain ground, complicating what was once a predictable region.
Meanwhile, INEC has assured the public of its readiness, with electoral materials already dispatched to all 18 local government offices. Officials have also addressed concerns about security, pledging to work with law enforcement to ensure a peaceful election.
Nevertheless, fears of vote-buying and violence remain high. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, noted that economic hardship is being exploited by political actors to sway voters, warning of the potential for polling units to become hubs of vote-buying. There are also heightened concerns over electoral violence, particularly in Edo South, identified as a hot spot.
As the state braces for what could be a pivotal election, the call for peaceful and transparent proceedings grows louder. President Bola Tinubu has urged all stakeholders to respect the democratic process, while civil society groups have called on INEC to restore its credibility by delivering a free and fair poll. Despite the tensions, many citizens remain hopeful that today’s vote will offer a fresh opportunity for progress in Edo State.
