Edo State is on the brink of history, as it prepares for a highly anticipated gubernatorial election in September 2024. The stakes are high, with a number of high-profile aspirants from the three major parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party.
The Labour Party has two particularly formidable candidates: Olumide Akpata and Ehizojie Imafidon Ohiowele.
Akpata is a renowned legal practitioner and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association. Ohiowele is a serial entrepreneur, financial expert, and experienced banker. Both candidates have impressive qualifications and experience, and they would be strong contenders for the governorship.
Akpata, born on October 7, 1972, is a renowned legal practitioner in the country. He served as a Senior Partner and Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars Law Firm, until his resignation on August 31, 2023, to pursue partisan politics. Notably, Akpata, in July 2022, made history, by becoming the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 28 years to be elected president of the NBA. He holds a law degree from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Fellow Labour Party member, Ohiowele, is a serial entrepreneur, financial expert, and experienced banker with over 25 years of solid experience in the private and public sector of the Nigerian and African economy.
Born on February 2, 1977, he is a widely travelled Pan-African with direct experience in leading the origination, structuring, and management of business deals in over 20 countries around Africa.
He currently runs a fintech company he co-founded and duly licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The company provides financial services to the unbanked, underbanked and banked in the communities they serve, powering through data and technology.
A strong leader and manager of people with a proven track record of performance, he has a Bsc in Economics & Statistics, a Masters degree in Business Administration and in Economics & Finance, as well as a PhD in International Business. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School, University of Oxford, Cardiff University, University of Azteca, University of Benin, and Ambrose Alli University.
The PDP’s frontrunner is Asue Ighodalo, who is rumored to be the anointed one by the party in the state. However, the party is plagued by internal divisions, which could work in favor of other candidates. Ighodalo is a popular and influential figure, but he will need to overcome the challenges facing the PDP in order to be successful.
The APC’s candidate is Oserheimen Osunbor, a veteran politician who served as governor of Edo State from 2007 to 2008. Osunbor is a highly respected figure, but he will need to convince voters that he is the best candidate to lead Edo State into the future.
Zoning and consultations could also play a role in determining the outcome of the election. It is possible that the parties will agree to zone the governorship to a particular region of the state. If this happens, it could give one candidate a significant advantage.
The Edo State gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a battle of the titans. With a number of highly qualified and experienced candidates, it is difficult to say who will emerge victorious. The outcome of the election will have a major impact on the future of Edo State.
