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Published on 2024-03-30 21:59:10
The upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State in September 2024 has garnered significant attention as different political parties have concluded their primaries. The focus is on the battle to take over the seat of power from the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The All Progressive Congress (APC) has a chance to regain control of the state, which they lost in 2020 after Obaseki defected to the PDP.
There are five key reasons why the APC may have an advantage over the PDP in the upcoming election:
1. Crisis in PDP: The ongoing crisis within the PDP, especially between Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, could work in favor of the APC. The relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu soured when the latter expressed his desire to succeed the governor, leading to tensions within the party.
2. Stronger APC: The ruling APC has managed to resolve internal conflicts arising from the primary elections. The party united behind Senator Monday Okpebholo as its candidate and House of Representatives member, Dennis Idahosa, as the deputy governorship candidate. This unity within the party could bolster their chances in the election.
3. Obidients Movement/Labour Party: The influence of the Obidients movement, which saw significant success in the 2023 presidential election, could sway the outcome of the gubernatorial race. If the movement aligns with the APC, it could give them an edge over the PDP.
4. Edo Central and Edo North: The APC has strong representation in both Edo Central and Edo North, with Senator Okpebholo and Senator Adam Oshimhole, respectively. These two senators are expected to deliver their zones to the APC, potentially securing a victory for the party in the election.
5. Federal/Presidential support: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged his support for the APC candidate, Okpebholo, and the Edo APC in their bid for victory. This backing from the presidency could significantly impact the outcome of the election in favor of the APC.
Overall, the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State promises to be a closely contested battle between the APC and the PDP. With these key factors in play, the APC appears to have a strategic advantage that could tip the scales in their favor. It remains to be seen how the political landscape unfolds in the lead-up to the September 2024 election.
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