Edo State is currently buzzing with political activity as the race for the governorship seat in the upcoming 2024 elections intensifies. With the official election date set for September 2024, the political fervor has been palpable ever since INEC released the electoral timetable.
The state is witnessing a diverse array of candidates, making this election the most fiercely contested since the return of democratic governance in 1999. The key factors shaping the race include the issue of zoning, local concerns such as infrastructural development and housing policies of the current government, and the influence of national and state party leaders.
In this charged atmosphere, Parallel Facts Political Editor delves into the intricacies of the candidates, the political intrigues, and the issues that will significantly influence the outcome of the contest. According to a recent survey, the PDP has five aspirants, the APC has six aspirants, and the Labour Party has 15 aspirants.
KEY CONTENDERS
Among the prominent contenders is Asue Ighodalo, who is a distinguished lawyer, successful businessman, and influential figure in the Nigerian corporate sector. Kingsley Ulinfun, with a strong background in finance and banking, is another contender with substantial experience. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the popular Edo State deputy governor, is also in the running. Olumide Akpata, a renowned lawyer and former NBA president, brings his legal expertise and fresh perspective to the race. Oserheimen Osunbor, a seasoned politician and former Edo State Governor, adds further depth to the pool of contenders, as does Mr. Dorry Okojie, a business magnate, making the Edo 2024 elections a dynamic and tempestuous contest.
THE ISSUES THAT WILL SHAPE THE CONTEST
Zoning: Zoning of political offices and even sometimes appointments is now an increasing factor in the political configuration of Nigeria’s political firmament. In Edo State, the unofficial and undocumented zoning in the state on power rotation among the three ethnic groups (Benins, Esans, and Afemais) that make up the state will be a key deciding factor in the contest.
This assertion is further corroborated in the Guardian report on this issue published on October 9th, which states, “Stakeholders are divided on the rationale and need for the zoning of the governorship to Edo Central, popularly known as ‘Esan people.’ They contend that the governorship should be thrown open to all, regardless of the gentlemanly agreement that the three senatorial districts of the state should rotate the governorship position.
“However, the Esan people from Edo Central are consulting widely and anxiously waiting for power to return to the zone since the other two senatorial districts, comprising Edo South and North districts, have had their shot at Osadebey House”.
Edo Central’s reign under Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor was cut short after 18 months in office; Edo South, with Chief Lucky Igbinedion and Mr. Godwin Obaseki, would be completing 16 years in the governorship saddle by November 11, 2023; and Edo North has also had two terms of 8 years under Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.
It is interesting to note that, according to history, the political class has never really adhered to the zoning arrangement of the state. In 2007, after the administration of Lucky Igbenedion, the political class, under the leadership of the then president Olusegun Obasanjo, the late chief Tony Anenih, and others, agreed and zoned the governorship slot to Esan, Edo Central, widely regarded as a minority. But Adams Oshiomole still contested the elections and won through the courts, which led to the abrupt end of the Osunbor administration. The political class preferred Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2016 instead of transferring power to Edo Central whose turn was cut short by the emergence of Adams Oshiomole.
The politics of Zoning in Edo may not be as strong as pronounced in the media.
Local Issues: Edo has a very sophisticated voting audience. Today, an average Edolite believes the policies of the Obaseki-led administration are elitist and put the common man in a disadvantaged position. One of such policy is the demolition of houses in Benin City by the administration based on the alleged fact that the houses were built on government lands and with unapproved building plans.
Similarly, the lackadaisical attitude of the administration toward maintaining roads within the state has caused untold hardships to millions of commuters within the state. It is a fact that both state and federal roads are largely unpassable in Edo. All these and many more will influence how the electorate will vote come 2024.
The people are largely not receptive to the idea of an Obaseki succession plan; they are wary of handing over the state back to the APC and bringing back Adams Oshiomole’s era of Godfatherism; and are skeptical of the Labour Party’s message of change.
Influence of National and State Party Leaders: In the Labour Party, the national leader and presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi will play a prominent role in deciding who secures the nomination, but other national working committee NWC and state working committee SWC members are also very crucial. Also, the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Julius Abure, who hails from Edo, will also actively play a role in deciding who emerges as the candidate of the party, as well as the Obidient movement in the state.
In the PDP, the governorship ticket will be influenced by the cold war between the Obaseki-led new PDP and Dan Orbih’s legacy PDP. Also, the Wike factor will come into play as the FCT minister is backing his political ally, Dan Orbih to produce the candidate of the PDP. The feud between Obaseki and his deputy will also shape the internal configuration on who emerges in the PDP.
In the APC camp, the influence of Adams Oshiomole, the senator representing Edo North, and his close cycle of cabal, comprising Chief Lawani aka Abu Millionaire, his DG of the senatorial campaign, Chief Gani Audu, Clem Agba, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, Col. Imuse, and others, would play a prominent role in who gets the ticket.
THE ASPIRANTS
Asue Ighodalo, PDP: Asue Ighodalo is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer and co-founder of the Banwo-and-Ighodalo law firm, a renowned corporate and commercial law firm. He has an extensive educational background, including a law degree from the London School of Economics and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
Apart from his legal expertise, Ighodalo holds prominent positions such as Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Director at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
He is also actively involved in several boards, including Ensure Assurance Company Plc, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, and Fate Foundation. Additionally, he is the politically anointed successor of the incumbent governor in Edo State, running on the platform of the PDP. Ighodalo’s influence extends to the political sphere, where he has been appointed chairman of the planning committee for the state’s 2023 annual Investment Summit.
Kingsley Ulinfun LP: Kingsley Ulinfun is a highly educated professional with degrees in chemical engineering and business administration from the University of Benin. With a career spanning over 27 years in blue-chip financial institutions, he has established himself as a seasoned finance expert and banker.
Ulinfun has worked in various leadership roles, including Chief Risk Officer for UBA Africa and Managing Director of UBA Tanzania Limited. He also played a significant role at Union Bank Nigeria as General Manager and Head of Commercial Banking, supervising 331 branches nationwide.
Currently, he serves as the Group Director and Chief Risk Officer (CRO) for Enterprise Risk Management at Oakwood Green Africa Limited. Ulinfun’s expertise lies in managing diverse financing projects for state governments, corporate entities, and international projects. He has a proven track record of leading global teams and collaborating with senior executives in multicultural settings.
Comrade Philip Shaibu: Philip Shaibu is a prominent Nigerian politician who is the current Deputy Governor of Edo State. He has a rich political background, having been a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and a two-time member of the Edo House of Assembly, where he held the position of majority leader. He also represented the Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives before his elevation to the role of deputy governor in 2016.
Shaibu is a graduate of accounting from the University of Jos and hails from Etsako West, in Edo North. His close association and strong bromance with his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki, has come under public scrutiny in recent times over his governorship ambition.
Shaibu has never hidden his interest in succeeding his principal; if reports emanating from his political camp are anything to go by, all is set for his declaration of interest despite not enjoying the support of Governor Obaseki.
Olumide Akpata LP: Olumide Akpata, born on October 7, 1972, is a prominent legal practitioner and populist politician in Nigeria. He served as the Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars Law Firm until his resignation in August 2023 to pursue partisan politics.
Akpata made history by becoming the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 28 years to be elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association in July 2020, earning him the nickname “The Maverick.” Starting his legal career in Delta State, he later moved to Lagos and co-founded Templars Law Firm, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s largest law firms with a substantial legal workforce.
Akpata officially entered politics on August 1, 2023, when he joined the Labour Party. His political journey signifies a commitment to public service and civic engagement. He aims to bring his unique perspective and ideas to the forefront, advocating for policies aligned with the party’s values. Akpata has expressed his interest in contesting the September 2024 governorship election in Edo State, marking a significant step in his political career.
Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor APC: Oserheimen Osunbor, born on October 5, 1951, in Iruekpen, Edo State, is a distinguished lawyer and politician. He attended various schools in Edo State, including P.T.T.C. Demonstration Primary School and Holy Trinity Grammar School.
Osunbor served as a member of the Nigerian Senate from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007, winning re-election in April 2003. He later contested and won the gubernatorial election in Edo State in April 2007 under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, his tenure faced legal challenges. On March 20, 2008, the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal invalidated his election due to irregularities, leading to the withdrawal of his certificate by INEC. The Federal Appeal Court in Benin City upheld the tribunal’s ruling on November 11, 2008, declaring Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress (AC) party as the Governor of Edo State.
Dr. Dorry Afe Efosa Okojie LP: Dr. Dorry Afe Efosa Okojie is an entrepreneur and businessman with a 23-year track record. Dorry’s educational journey began at Emotan Nursery & Primary School and Greater Tomorrow Secondary School, where he obtained his SSCE. He pursued higher education in the UK, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Plymouth University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Nottingham.
In the business realm, Dr. Okojie has established several successful ventures, including DAF Homes & Estates Ltd. (specializing in building and construction) based in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, and Safegate Integrated Concepts Ltd. (focused on road construction and landscaping) situated in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. He has also made significant contributions as the founder of Grandeur Haven, a company specializing in real estate and property marketing and sales.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dr. Okojie is deeply engaged in community development initiatives. He founded the Dr. Dorry Okojie Foundation and serves as the co-founder and vice chairman of the Esan Development and Transformation Initiative (EDATI). Additionally, he established the Esan Solidarity Association Network (ESAN) and holds a key position as director at Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank (formerly G.T. Homes).
Parting Thoughts
The dynamics of the upcoming election are multifaceted, with factors like the contentious issue of zoning playing a significant role. As Edo State’s unofficial and undocumented power rotation among its three ethnic groups remains a crucial point of discussion, stakeholders are divided over whether the governorship should be confined to Edo Central. This debate adds an element of intrigue and complexity to the race.
As the candidates navigate these intricacies, their campaigns will need to address the aspirations and expectations of the people, ensuring that the next governor will be one who represents the collective will and interests of the citizens of Edo State. The next few months are poised to be a period of intense political activity and engagements, shaping the future trajectory of governance in Edo State.
