In a state where political ferment never ceases to generate heated debates, this year’s Edo governorship election was marked by unexpected twists and turns and important lessons to be learned. The announcement of the results by the Independent National Electoral Commission was closely followed by a surprise for some, with the victory of former governor Adams Oshiomhole and his protégé Monday Okpebholo.
The election highlighted several crucial elements of local politics. First, the issue of power and its movement across different regions of the state came to the fore. Rotation of positions and political zoning remain important factors in the eyes of voters, thus underscoring the importance of taking these considerations into account when fielding candidates.
Furthermore, the role of political “godfathers” was also highlighted in this election. The battle between Oshiomhole and the current Governor Godwin Obaseki, with their respective support networks, illustrated once again the influence of charismatic and powerful figures behind the scenes. This rivalry between the various “godfathers” had a direct impact on the final outcome, thus demonstrating the need to take these dynamics into account during election campaigns.
The issue of division within political parties was also highlighted. Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party faced internal dissensions that undermined their cohesion and effectiveness in this election. This division weakened the position of the candidates of these parties, highlighting the importance of unity and solidarity within political formations.
Finally, voter turnout and the level of voter apathy were major concerns. Despite a large population and a substantial number of registered voters, the turnout in this election was relatively low, highlighting the growing disinterest of citizens in the democratic process. It is imperative that politicians redouble their efforts to regain the trust of the population and encourage more active and engaged participation.
All in all, this year’s Edo governorship election was rich in lessons and lessons for political actors. It is now crucial to take these different elements into account and adapt to local political realities to ensure free, fair and democratic electoral processes in the future.