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Wed. Jan 22nd, 2025
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As Edo voters head to the polls tomorrow to elect their next governor, the stakes have never been higher. The race to succeed outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, who completes his eight-year tenure on November 12, has narrowed to three primary candidates: Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olumide Akpata of Labour Party (LP), and Monday Okpebholo of All Progressives Congress (APC). In this intense three-horse race, the people of Edo State face a crucial decision: who will lead them into the next phase of development? Amid the competition, Asue Ighodalo, in our view, emerges as the most capable candidate, uniquely qualified to deliver progressive governance, economic transformation, and integrity-driven leadership. Unlike his competitors, Ighodalo brings an unmatched blend of private-sector expertise and governance experience. His track record speaks volumes: as a lawyer, economist, and corporate governance expert, he has served on various boards, guiding organizations toward growth and stability. He co-founded Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading law firm in Nigeria, and chaired Sterling Bank, providing a clear indication of his managerial acumen and commitment to best practices. Edo’s next governor must not only have a deep understanding of governance but also possess the experience to foster growth in a challenging economic environment.

 

In contrast, while APC’s candidate Okpebholo may leverage some political experience and federal backing, his campaign lacks the depth and modernity required to run a state like Edo. His outdated ideas and avoidance of critical debates reflect an unpreparedness for the challenges of leadership. Although he may attempt to split votes with Ighodalo due to their shared Central Senatorial District origins, his bid is unlikely to gain the traction needed to secure victory. Meanwhile, Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate and a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is well-regarded for his intellect and manifesto, “My Pact with Edo People.” However, Akpata’s main disadvantage stems from a broader consensus among the Edo political elite that power should shift to the Central Senatorial District, a factor that plays in Ighodalo’s favor. Additionally, Akpata’s lack of a strong local political network, compounded by an unknown running mate, Alhaji Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, undermines his ability to generate sufficient momentum. 

 

What truly sets Ighodalo apart from his competitors is his comprehensive vision for Edo’s future. His manifesto, “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” focuses on key areas of reform, including education, infrastructure, healthcare, and industrialization. Edo youths face disillusionment due to a lack of opportunities. Ighodalo’s plans to revolutionize education – upgrade school infrastructure, improve teacher training, and invest in digital learning – promise long-term empowerment for the younger generation. He envisions a knowledge-based economy, where education serves as the foundation for future growth, making it essential for Edo’s sustainable development. Ighodalo also has a robust strategy for industrialization, with a commitment to attracting both local and foreign investments. His focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and technology offers clear solutions to Edo’s unemployment crisis. Moreover, his emphasis on improving infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and healthcare provides a pathway to transforming Edo into an economic hub. Akpata and Okpebholo, while offering policy plans, lack the detailed and practical approach that Ighodalo presents. Akpata’s ideas, though promising, suffer from a disconnect with Edo’s political reality, while Okpebholo’s proposals are outdated and uninspiring.

 

Nigeria’s political landscape has long been marred by corruption and a lack of transparency, issues that continue to plague Edo State. One of the most significant attributes of Asue Ighodalo is his commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability—qualities Edo desperately needs. Throughout his career, Ighodalo has championed corporate governance best practices, advocating for ethical leadership and responsible management of resources. As governor, he promises to institutionalize transparency mechanisms, ensuring that Edo’s citizens have a government they can trust. His emphasis on participatory governance, where the citizenry is actively involved in decision-making, sets him apart from candidates who offer little more than lip service to the idea of accountability. Edo cannot afford another era of mismanagement. Okpebholo, despite his political experience, represents a continuation of old practices, with his campaign largely focused on exploiting federal might rather than delivering on the needs of Edo’s citizens. Meanwhile, Akpata, though a fresh face, lacks the political gravitas, and internal networks to build a system of transparent and accountable governance.

 

Edo, like many states, has been affected by political divisions that hinder progress. A key strength of Ighodalo’s candidacy is his ability to unite diverse groups across political and social divides. His extensive career in both the public and private sectors demonstrates a capacity for collaborative leadership, essential for effective governance. While the PDP has faced internal challenges, Ighodalo’s leadership style promotes inclusivity and unity. He has garnered support from a wide range of stakeholders, including PDP governors, the Edo Diaspora, and various professional bodies such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Importantly, his native Esan people have rallied behind him, arguing that their region deserves the governorship for the first time since the Fourth Republic. This ability to build bridges between different groups is critical in a state where ethnic and political divisions have often impeded development. Ighodalo’s competitors, particularly Okpebholo, lack the broad-based appeal and unifying vision necessary to govern effectively in such a diverse environment.

 

Healthcare is a critical issue in Edo State, where infrastructure has been neglected for years. Ighodalo’s focus on improving healthcare services is a central pillar of his agenda. He promises to increase investment in healthcare facilities, improve existing infrastructures, and ensure that all citizens have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Additionally, Ighodalo’s comprehensive social welfare programs, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, represent a broader strategy to improve the quality of life for Edo’s citizens. These initiatives are not merely short-term fixes but are designed to build a more equitable society in the long run. Okpebholo and Akpata, while addressing some aspects of healthcare and social welfare, lack the comprehensive and structured approach that Ighodalo offers.

 

Edo State has experienced governance under both the PDP and APC, with mixed results. While some progress has been made, many of the same issues—unemployment, poor infrastructure, and weak healthcare systems—persist. Ighodalo offers a new direction, breaking away from the failures of the past and charting a course toward sustainable development. Okpebholo represents the old guard, with a campaign that focuses more on maintaining the status quo than on delivering real change. While Akpata brings fresh ideas, his lack of political experience and internal support structure limits his ability to enact meaningful reform. Ighodalo, on the other hand, offers a blend of experience, integrity, and vision. He is the candidate most capable of tackling the root causes of Edo’s problems and leading the state into a brighter, more prosperous future.

 

As voters head to the polls, the decision they make will shape the Edo’s trajectory for years to come. Among the three leading candidates, Ighodalo stands out as the best choice to lead Edo into the future. His combination of private-sector expertise, progressive policies, commitment to good governance, and ability to unite diverse groups positions him as the ideal candidate for governor. A vote for Ighodalo is a vote for progress, transparency, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. Edo deserves a leader who can deliver on these promises, and Asue Ighodalo is the man to make that happen. The people of Edo must seize this opportunity to elect a leader who will not only restore faith in government but also set the state on a path to lasting prosperity. A vote for Ighodalo is a vote for Edo’s future. The time for transformative leadership is now, and Asue Ighodalo is ready to deliver it.

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