Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-16 03:20:48
The upcoming governorship election in Edo State, slated for September 21, 2024, has stirred up significant competition among the three leading parties in the state – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP). The primary elections conducted by these parties have resulted in the emergence of parallel candidates, causing internal rifts that need to be resolved before the main election.
The PDP, in particular, is facing internal strife similar to the challenges encountered during the 2023 presidential contest. Governor Godwin Obaseki has thrown his support behind Asue Ighodalo as the preferred candidate to succeed him. However, Obaseki’s deputy, Phillip Shaibu, has adamantly asserted his own candidacy, leading to a split within the party. With Shaibu emerging as the candidate from a parallel primary, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the party’s electoral prospects, especially considering Ighodalo’s perceived lack of grassroots connection in the state.
Meanwhile, the APC has its own share of challenges with the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the party’s candidate following a rerun. Dennis Idahosa, initially declared the winner of the first election, is contesting the outcome, adding to the party’s internal discord. The decision to uphold zoning arrangements by selecting a candidate from Edo Central, where Obaseki’s successor is expected to come from, has further fueled tensions within the party.
On the other hand, the LP is grappling with leadership crises at the national level, affecting its preparations for the governorship election. Factional disputes have led to conflicting declarations of party candidates, creating uncertainty and potential defections among party members.
The unfolding political drama in Edo State underscores the importance of how the parties manage and resolve their internal crises, as these issues could significantly impact the outcome of the upcoming election. With each party grappling with internal divisions, the ability to unify and rally support behind a single candidate will be crucial in determining their electoral success.
As the state gears up for the governorship election, the political landscape remains fraught with tension and uncertainty, prompting stakeholders to closely monitor the evolving dynamics within the parties. The coming days will shed light on how the parties navigate these challenges and consolidate their positions to present a united front ahead of the crucial poll on September 21, 2024.
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