BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The Edo governorship election has produced a fiercely contested race between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and his All Progressives Congress, APC, counterpart, Monday Okpebholo.
As of Saturday, September 21, 2024, night, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had uploaded 97 percent of election results onto its Results Viewing portal, with both candidates neck and neck in their respective strongholds.
Despite early morning rains that delayed voting in some areas, the election saw a large voter turnout across the state’s 18 local government areas (LGAs).
Initial results indicate that Okpebholo is leading in the Edo North Senatorial District, while Ighodalo has an edge in Edo South. Both candidates perform strongly in their home areas.
Leading in Polling Units
In Esan South-East LGA, Ighodalo secured 200 votes at his polling unit, while Okpebholo garnered 45. Conversely, Okpebholo dominated at his own polling unit in Esan Central LGA, with 102 votes to Ighodalo’s one.
Labour Party (LP) candidate Olumide Akpata struggled, losing his polling unit with only two votes in Oredo LGA, while Ighodalo and Okpebholo scored 41 and 19 votes respectively.
Preliminary analysis of the results from across the state reflects a divided electorate.
In Edo North, traditionally an APC stronghold, Okpebholo is leading with significant margins. Meanwhile, in areas like Ikpoba/Okha LGA, Ighodalo holds a commanding lead.
Allegations of Vote-Buying
Though the election was largely peaceful, allegations of vote-buying have cast a shadow over the process.
Both the PDP and Labour Party accused the APC of offering cash incentives to sway voters. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, expressed frustration with the voting delays and accused opposition parties of attempting to subvert the election.
“They buy votes for N15,000 to N20,000. They are trying everything to subvert the process,” Ighodalo said, although he maintained optimism about his chances of winning.
The Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate, Prince Asamah Kadiri, echoed the accusations, alleging that the APC was paying voters N10,000 in Edo North.
“It is sad that the APC is engaging in vote-buying,” Kadiri said.
In response, APC leader and former governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing the election as peaceful.
“People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they wanted good government,” Oshiomhole said.
Arrests and Security Measures
As part of efforts to curb electoral misconduct, operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies were deployed across the state.
Several arrests were made in connection to vote-buying and possession of weapons.
Police confirmed the arrest of eight individuals for alleged vote-buying, including key members of the PDP.
The suspects were found in possession of cash, pre-filled ballot papers, and plans to influence voters.
Additionally, two suspected political thugs were arrested with locally-made pistols in a raid conducted on the eve of the election.
Looking Ahead
As vote collation continues, Ighodalo and Okpebholo remain locked in a tight contest for Edo’s top political office.
With just 3 percent of results left to be uploaded, the final outcome could come down to the wire.
INEC has urged all parties and voters to remain patient as the final results are tallied at the collation center in Benin.
Despite the challenges, including the rain and reported vote-buying, many voters turned out in large numbers to make their voices heard.
Both the PDP and APC candidates remain confident of victory, as Edo State braces for the conclusion of this hard-fought election.
