The Edo State gubernatorial election scheduled for next year is already generating interest and promises a contest full of twists and turns. Among the many candidates with varied political and ethnic affiliations, some are well known in society and have demonstrated their competence and worth. However, other less familiar names have also made themselves known. But who is really the ideal candidate?
For those who closely follow politics in Edo and have the best interests of its people at heart, it is clear that the last twenty-four years have seen relatively peaceful and progressive democracy in the state. Every administration has made its contribution to the growth and development of the state, but it is undeniable that the current administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki has been the most reformative. Despite the challenges he faced, Obaseki managed to bring about significant changes both administratively and politically, which led to promising economic emergence in the state.
Some may criticize his style and question his achievements, but the facts are there: Edo State is today the only state to pay a salary above the national minimum wage of N30,000 to its civil servants, an achievement that even the federal government struggles to match. Additionally, the State Civil Service Complex has been completely rebuilt and is now world-class, equipped with modern facilities and equipment.
In agriculture, the state has attracted more than $500 million in private investment and now has the largest oil palm plantation in sub-Saharan Africa. It thus follows the models that triggered an economic revolution and stimulated the productivity of the famous Asian Tigers.
Additionally, the state is now home to two of the country’s four modular crude oil refining plants. In just seven years, Edo State has transformed from a civil service-oriented state, often criticized for its high number of illegally trafficked people, to a hub of development in many sectors such as education, agriculture, manufacturing, petrochemical refining, sports, entertainment, arts and culture.
This positive socio-economic development trajectory cannot be dissociated from the personality of the current governor. Underestimated by many when he came to power as a political neophyte, Obaseki proved himself more competent than professional politicians. As a renowned investment banker, he brought experience gained over years in the private sector, an environment often unforgiving towards those who lack skills and productive thinking.
When one examines the list of potential candidates for the 2024 election, one finds that few of them can boast of having the proven skills that Obaseki already had before becoming governor.
These candidates include the co-founder of Banwo and Ighodalo, a leading corporate and commercial law firm, the Chairman of the Board of Sterling Bank PLC and the former Chairman of Nigerian Breweries, the Dr. Asue Ighodalo. His family background, his academic qualifications and the numerous management positions he has held in the legal, banking and energy sectors make him one of the leading candidates capable of proposing concrete solutions for the people of Edo, unlike to some who simply seek to benefit from their notoriety or derive personal benefits from politics.
Aside from his impeccable resume, Ighodalo shares another important similarity with Obaseki: he was an economic policy consultant and worked closely with the Edo State government, primarily as an advisor. Although this is his first foray into active politics, he is no stranger to governance, having contributed to the multi-sectoral achievements of the Obaseki-led administration.
Although he is not the only candidate with an impressive CV in this electoral race, several factors work in Ighodalo’s favor, giving him a clear advantage over most of his opponents.
For many candidates, the most notable point in their background is previous political office or limited experience in politics. But Ighodalo brings strong expertise and direct experience in governance, having worked closely with the current administration to achieve positive results. His leadership and ability to provide practical solutions to the challenges of Edo State make him a serious and competent candidate.
Next year’s Edo State gubernatorial election therefore promises to be an exciting battle between candidates with varied backgrounds. It will be interesting to see who ends up wearing the governor’s hat and see the impact of this election on the future development of Edo State.