By Osagie Imasogie
The Edo 2024 governorship election, scheduled for September 21st, will be influenced by significant issues such as fuel price increases, scarcity, poverty, hunger, and inflation – these challenges many attribute to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level, according to a recent poll.
Ongoing electoral campaigns in Edo State have been dominated by national issues, including widespread hardship, endemic poverty, job losses and unemployment, inflation, poor and impassable federal roads, the removal of fuel subsidies resulting in higher pump prices and scarcity, and insecurity. These problems have been widely blamed on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.
An independent opinion poll conducted by researchers and journalists specializing in pre-election monitoring has revealed general dissatisfaction and discontent among a majority of people across Edo State. Respondents expressed concerns about their declining standard of living, despondency, and pervasive poverty, all of which they attribute to the policies of the ruling party.
In Edo Central, the deteriorating condition of the federal road from the Auchi/Agbede axis to Irrua/Ekpoma/Iruekpen and Benin axis is a major concern. Residents are blaming the suffering of commuters on the APC-led federal government, questioning why anyone would vote for a party that has impoverished them.
In Benin City, residents are voicing frustrations over the high cost of living, increasing fuel prices, food scarcity, inflation, and the removal of fuel subsidies. The general dissatisfaction with the current administration is shared by most Edo people, regardless of party affiliation. This sentiment is likely to shape their decision when they go to the polls on September 21st to elect Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor.
Adding to this is the lackluster campaign of the party in the state, exacerbated by the perceived shortcomings of its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. He has faced criticism from several journalists for refusing to share his governance plans and vision. Reports suggest that he is avoiding scrutiny due to his lack of fluency in English, a weakness attributed to illiteracy.
His campaign has been marred by numerous blunders, leaving analysts struggling to identify his economic positions or policy proposals.
