Iseghohi-Okojie Muscles His Way Back into Edo Guber Race

By Lucky Adeoluwa

In a move heralded as a beacon of democracy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled the list of gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming Edo State election. With 17 contenders vying for the prestigious position of governor, the stage is set for a riveting electoral showdown.

Among the myriad of aspirants, four towering figures emerge as the frontrunners, each poised to chart a transformative course for Edo State. They are Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie of the Action Alliance party, Monday Okpebolo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olumide Akpata carrying the banner of the Labour Party (LP), and Asue Ighodalo championing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stand at the forefront, embodying hope and promise for the people of Edo.

What sets this electoral landscape apart is not just the calibre of the candidates but also the inclusion of women in pivotal roles. Remarkably, two out of the four contenders have chosen female running mates, underscoring a progressive shift towards gender inclusivity in Nigerian politics. The decision to select a female running mate brings a myriad of advantages to the table.

Firstly, it sends a powerful message of gender equality and empowerment, showcasing a commitment to breaking down traditional barriers in politics. Secondly, female leaders often bring a different perspective and approach to governance, fostering greater empathy, inclusivity and collaboration. Lastly, it serves as a catalyst for inspiring future generations of women to actively participate in politics and leadership roles, thereby fostering a more diverse and representative democracy.

Delving into the profiles of the final four candidates, it becomes evident that each possesses a unique blend of strengths and experiences, along with their respective advantages and challenges.

The advantages of having a female running mate diverse representation: In a society striving for inclusivity, the selection of a female running mate signals a departure from traditional norms and a commitment to diversity. It brings underrepresented voices to the forefront, enriching the decision-making process with varied experiences and viewpoints.

Appeal to women voters: Women constitute a significant portion of the electorate, and having a female running mate can resonate strongly with female voters. It reflects an understanding of women’s issues and priorities, thereby fostering trust and garnering support from this demographic.

Symbol of progress: The presence of women in leadership positions challenges stereotypes and serves as a beacon of progress. It inspires young girls and women across the nation, showcasing that barriers can be broken, and aspirations can be realized irrespective of gender.

Assessing the final four candidates: Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie:  With a background steeped in corporate executive leadership, community development and grassroots engagement, Iseghohi-Okojie brings a nuanced understanding of local issues to the forefront. His emphasis on inclusive governance and sustainable development resonates with voters across demographics. Unfortunately, his party’s relative newcomer status may pose a challenge in garnering widespread support.  On the positive side of things, Prince Tom’s emphasis on grassroots empowerment signals a fundamental reorientation of power dynamics within Edo society. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and prioritizing their needs, he seeks to redress historical inequities and empower individuals to actively participate in shaping their own destinies. This grassroots-centric approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and agency among the populace but also cultivates a culture of civic engagement—a vital component of any vibrant democracy.

In tandem with his emphasis on inclusivity, Prince Tom’s agenda also reflects a commitment to values-driven governance. By espousing principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency, he seeks to instill a culture of ethical leadership that transcends partisan interests. In doing so, he sets a new standard for political conduct—one that is rooted in service to the people rather than self-aggrandisement.

This redefinition of political morality sits well with Edo’s populace, who yearn for leaders whose actions align with their professed values.

Furthermore, Prince Tom’s vision for Edo extends beyond the realm of politics, encompassing broader societal transformation. Through his focus on education reform, economic revitalization, and infrastructure development, he seeks to lay the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity. In doing so, he not only addresses immediate challenges but also cultivates a culture of innovation and resilience—a prerequisite for long-term success in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The Prince Tom phenomenon thus represents more than just a political movement; it heralds a profound reimagining of Edo society—one characterized by inclusivity, integrity, and progress. As citizens rally behind his vision, they signal their collective desire for a future defined by unity and opportunity. In this sense, Prince Tom’s journey serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of visionary leadership—a force capable of reshaping not only political institutions but also the very fabric of society itself.

Monday Okpevbolo (APC): A seasoned politician with a track record of public service, Monday Okpebolo embodies experience and stability. His party affiliation brings with it a formidable support base and resources. However, navigating the complexities of intra-party dynamics and managing divergent interests within the APC may present hurdles along the campaign trail.

Olumide Akpata (Labour Party): As a candidate representing the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata champions progressive ideals and economic empowerment. His background as a legal luminary lends credibility to his platform, particularly in matters of justice and governance reform. Yet, breaking through the dominance of competing political giants could prove challenging for the Labour Party’s turbulent presence in the state.

Asue Ighodalo (PDP): With a rich tapestry of experience spanning business and philanthropy, Asue Ighodalo brings a blend of vision and pragmatism to the table. His party affiliation provides a strong backing and a well-established network of support. However, navigating the intricate web of political alliances and managing heightened public expectations poses its own set of challenges.

The running mate effect: Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie & Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu.  At the helm of the Action Alliance party, Prince Iseghohi-Okojie has strategically selected Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu as his running mate, a move that speaks volumes of his commitment to inclusivity and grassroots engagement. Onaiwu’s illustrious career as a Chief Nursing Officer with the Edo State hospital management exemplifies dedication and service to the community. Her deep-rooted ties to the Assemblies of God church and extensive philanthropic endeavours underscore her unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of others.  This combination will present massive issues for incumbent politicians because it has the combination of extensive financial, economic and transformative experience, with grassroots impact, philanthropy and extensive political experience locally, nationally and globally.  

However, the relatively small and unknown nature of the Action Alliance will present a challenge for this formidable duo.  

Monday Okpebolo & Denis Idahosa: Representing the APC, Monday Okpebolo has enlisted the support of Denis Idahosa, a rising political star known for his previous gubernatorial bid. While strategically sound geographically, this decision may carry disadvantages, particularly in comparison to the formidable female running mates chosen by other contenders.

However, Okpebolo’s extensive political experience and Idahosa’s grassroots mobilization efforts cannot be underestimated.

Olumide Akpata & Faith Alufohai: Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s flagbearer, has opted for Faith Alufohai as his running mate, leveraging the advantages of a female presence on the ticket. However, the party’s reputational liabilities and rumours surrounding Akpata’s relationship with the incumbent governor may overshadow the benefits of this strategic choice, potentially hindering their electoral prospects.

Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie: Asue Ighodalo, representing the PDP, has aligned himself with Osarodion Ogie, a top official closely associated with the present governor. This alliance sends a message that could be perceived as a bid for a third term, a notion that Edo citizens are likely to vehemently reject for various reasons, including the desire for change and resistance to the perpetuation of entrenched power dynamics.

The rejection of illegitimate power sustenance: Edo citizens have historically shown a strong aversion to politicians attempting to clandestinely extend their tenure in office. The attempt to sustain power beyond constitutional limits is viewed as a betrayal of democratic principles and an affront to the will of the people. Such actions undermine trust in the political process and erode confidence in the integrity of governance, ultimately leading to widespread disillusionment and unrest among the electorate.

The epic battle ahead: As the campaign trail heats up, Edo State braces itself for an epic battle between the four contenders. At present, the PDP holds a slight lead, closely followed by the APC, with the Action Alliance trailing behind and Labour facing significant challenges. However, with the fast-growing momentum of the Action Alliance party, the dynamics of the race are poised to shift dramatically in the coming months.

Looking ahead: In the months leading up to the elections, Edo voters will face a pivotal choice between embracing the promise of something new and transformative leadership embodied by Prince Tom Iseghohi-Okojie or opting to sustain the legacy of the incumbent governor. As the countdown to the gubernatorial elections commences, Edo State finds itself at a crossroads, poised to make a choice that will shape its future trajectory. With a diverse array of candidates offering competing visions for progress and prosperity, the electorate hold the power to chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow. May the spirit of democracy prevail and may the voices of the people resound loud and clear on Election Day. With their sophisticated understanding of the issues at stake and their unwavering commitment to shaping the future of their state, Edo citizens are poised to chart a course that will reverberate far beyond the confines of their borders. Only time will reveal the outcome of this historic electoral showdown.

* Mr. Adeoluwa writes from Benin City