October 15, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last month announced that the Edo State Governorship election would take place on September 21, 2024.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement explained that the release of the time table and schedule of activities became imperative considering the fact that the tenure of the current Governor of Edo State would end on November 11, 2024.
The commission said that as provided in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution, election into the said office will hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the last holder of the office.
It added, “The latest date for election to the Office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October, 2024. Similarly, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.”
To this end, the commission said the Edo governorship election will hold on Saturday, September 21, 2024.”
The commission revealed that party primaries would hold between February 1 and 24, 2024, while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on March 4, 2024 and close at 6.00pm on March 24, 2024.
The commission noted that the final list of candidates would be published on April 23, 2024, while campaigning in public by the political parties would commence on 24th April 2024 and end 24 hours prior to Election Day on September 19, 2024.
The commission revealed that a detailed timetable and schedule of Activities for the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms.
It, therefore, urged the political parties and candidates to note the activities in the timetable for strict compliance.
Following this development, political parties and aspirants have started coming out to express their intention to contest the governorship election.
Although there are many aspirants presently consulting, a bunch of them are from Edo Central Senatorial District, which could benefit from the political zoning arrangement in the state, if upheld by party leaders. The senatorial district has not produced a governor in the state.
Three parties are also in the forefront to produce Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor and they are his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP); the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the Labour Party, (LP).
Obaseki is currently rounding up his second term in office and so he is constitutionally ineligible to contest the next year’s election.
So far, those consulting according to THEWILL checks are – Mr. Asue Ighodalo ( Edo Central), Mr. Anselm Ojezua (Edo Central), Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu (Edo North) and Mr. John Yakubu (Edo Central), who are all from the PDP.
The aspirants in the APC are – Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (Edo South), Major General Charles Airhiavbere. Rtd., (Edo South), former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo Central), Prince Clem Agba (Edo North), Mike Onolememen (Edo Central), Chris Ogiemwonyi (Edo South), Colonel David Imuse Rtd., (Edo Central) and senator representing Edo Central senatorial district, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In the LP, Mr. Olu Akpata (Edo South), a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Ehizojie Ohiowele (Edo Central), Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon (Edo Central) and Dr. Dorry Okojie (Edo Central) have declared their intentions for the top job.
Despite the preponderance of aspirants across the party lines, THEWILL has been able to narrow the race to six aspirants based on our reading of the political field at this time and how party leaders are thinking. We are not however unaware of the fact that 24 hours is a long time in politics.
The Top Aspirants
Asue Ighodalo (PDP)
Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer is from Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. He is Godwin Obaseki’s preferred candidate to fly the party’s flag in the governorship election.
Ighodalo is a founding partner of the law firm of Banwo-and-Ighodalo, a corporate and commercial law practice in Nigeria specialising in advising major corporations on Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, Energy and Natural Resources, Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking and Securitisation and Project Finance. He is the Chairman, Sterling Bank, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Levene Energy Group, Director, NSIA – Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and former Chairman NESG – Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
He is a product of Kings College, Lagos. He obtained a B.Sc degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1981, an LL.B from the London School of Economics and Political Science (1984) and a B.L from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos (1985).
Upon graduation from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, Ighodalo worked as an Associate in the law firm of Chris Ogunbanjo & Co between 1985 and 1991, and in 1991 he set up Banwo and Ighodalo in partnership with Femi Olubanwo.
Asue Ighodalo is married to Ifeyinwa, a prominent interior designer and founder of DO.II Designs, formerly known as Design Options.
With a degree from the University of Education, Winneba and a Ph.D. from The University of Bradford, his credentials are impressive.
Olumide Akpata (LP)
Olumide Akpata was born on October 7, 1972. A legal practitioner and populist politician, he was a senior partner and the Head of Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars law firm in Nigeria until his resignation on August 31, 2023 to enable him to pursue partisan politics.
He became the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 28 years to be elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association in July 2020 and is known as the maverick.
Akpata began his legal practice in Delta State under the tutelage of Dr Mudiaga Odie, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, OFR, who was one of the most seasoned litigators of his time.
In 1996, Akpata relocated to Lagos and teamed up with his cousin, Oghogho Akpata, who had just set up the law firm, Templars, the previous year.
He joined in the formation of Templars at the age of 23 and has grown the firm into what it is today, as one of the largest law firms in Nigeria with a workforce of about 100 lawyers, including two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, both of whom practice proficiently in diverse areas of Nigerian law.
He has participated in some of the major groundbreaking transactions that have shaped commercial law practice in Nigeria and indeed, the Nigerian economy.
August 1, 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Akpata as he formally entered the political arena, solidifying his commitment to public service by joining the ranks of the Labour Party. This move not only underscores his dedication to civic engagement but also signals a new chapter in his journey towards contributing to the betterment of society.
As a member of the Labour Party, Akpata brings his unique perspective and ideas to the forefront, poised to play a role in shaping policy decisions and advocating for issues that align with the party’s values. His entrance into the political landscape highlights the growing diversity of voices within the party, fostering a broader and more inclusive dialogue on matters of national importance. He has indicated his interest in contesting the September 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
Mike Onolememen (APC)
Onolememen was born in Uromi, Edo State, in 1965. He began his education at Saint Anthony’s Primary School before moving on to Annunciation Catholic College in Irrua and finally the prestigious Kings College in Lagos.
Mike is a chartered architect and professional manager with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Science in Architecture, and a Master of Science in Construction Management from the then Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), the University of Nigeria and the University of Lagos, respectively.
He is a scholar-practitioner who holds a Ph.D in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States of America. He also holds a degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in Massachusetts, the United States.
He is a fellows of prestigious institutes, including the Nigerian Institute of Architects [FNIA] and the Nigerian Institute of Management [FNIM], as well as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (FNIS), the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), the Academy of Entrepreneurial Studies (FAES), the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (FNIQS), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE).
Dr Onolememen was appointed Minister of State for Defence in January 2007 and he held the position until the end of the Olusegun Obasanjo Administration in May 2007.
Onolememen served as the Minister of Works between July 2011 and May 2015, during which time he implemented a number of strategic reforms in line with the then President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s transformation agenda.
Oserheimen Osunbor (APC)
Oserheimen Osunbor was born on October 5, 1951 in Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended P.T.T.C Demonstration Primary School Igueben from 1957 to 1962, then Anglican Grammar School Ujoelen Ekpoma from 1963 to 1968 and Holy Trinity Grammar School Sabongidaa-Ora.
He is a lawyer and politician who was a member of the Senate from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007. He was re-elected in April 2003.
Osunbor was elected Governor of Edo State in April 2007 on the platform of the PDP. On March 20, 2008, the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal declared that his election was invalid and asked INEC to withdraw his certificate and declare Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress (AC) party the winner.
On November 11, 2008, a Federal Appeal Court sitting in Benin City upheld the ruling of the tribunal, declaring Oshiomole Governor of Edo State. The decision was based on several voting irregularities.
Dr Ehizojie Imafidon Ohiowele (LP)
Dr Ehizojie Imafidon Ohiowele was born on February 2, 1977 in Benin City, Edo State. He hails from Isidahomen Quarters, Eguare, Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area.
Ohiowele is a serial entrepreneur, educator, personal coach, financial expert, and an experienced banker with over 25 years’ experience in the private and public sector of the Nigerian economy. He is a widely travelled Pan-Africanist with direct experience in leading the origination, structuring and management of business deals in over 20 countries around Africa.
He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Statistics, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance, and a PhD in International Business.
Ohiowele is a proud alumnus of Harvard Business School, University of Oxford, Cardiff University, University of Azteca, University of Benin and Ambrose Alli University.
Presently, he runs a fintech company, which is duly licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and provides financial services to the unbanked, underbanked and the banked in the communities they serve, leveraging data and technology. He also sits on the board of several companies actively playing in the energy, consulting, hospitality, wellnes, and educational sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Dr Ohiowele is a strong leader, strategist, skilled communicator, team builder, negotiator and manager of people, with a proven track record of performance, an uncanny ability to work under pressure and adapt to new challenges.
Over the years, he has mentored, coached, supported, contributed, and impacted many people across different regions in the area of capacity building. Consequently, he has built an expansive network of friends and business associates all around the world who are all ready to support his vision for a better Edo State.
Ohiowele is a titled chief (Odalo of Ujiogba Kingdom in Esan West Local Government Area) and a Roman Catholic Knight of St. John International.
John Yakubu (PDP)
John Yakubu, born in Esan North-East Local Government Area in 1970, has emerged as a notable figure in Nigerian politics and academia.
Yakubu embarked on his political journey in 2011 and swiftly climbed the ladder, first as the chairman of Esan North-East and then as the running mate for the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu. His involvement in politics hasn’t been without challenges. The PDP’s loss in 2016 was a significant setback, but John Yakubu’s resilience remains evident.
As a former Chairman of Esan North-East and the running mate of Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2016 governorship election, his name has been in the forefront of Edo politics. In 2022, a legal entanglement resulted in his conviction over a pension scam, adding another chapter to his life’s narrative.
With a degree from the University of Education, Winneba, and a Ph.D. from The University of Bradford, his credentials are impressive.
Yakubu is also an academic. He lectures in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at The University of Bradford.
As the 2024 off-season election in Edo State looms, Yakubu’s ambitions are clear. He’s setting his sights on the governorship position. His calls for support indicate a leader keen on collaborative progress.
For the upcoming governorship election, Yakubu’s promises are bold. Central to his campaign is the pledge to generate 100 megawatts of power, potentially revolutionizing Edo’s infrastructure.
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.
