EdoDecides2024: Okpebholo, Ighodalo, And Akpata Among Top Contenders In Governorship Race (LIVE UPDATES)

EdoDecides2024: Okpebholo, Ighodalo, And Akpata Among Top Contenders In Governorship Race (LIVE UPDATES)

Over 2.2 million registered voters are set to cast their ballots today across 4,519 polling units in Edo State’s 18 local government areas.

Voters will choose from 17 candidates, including one female, in what is expected to be a closely contested race. Political observers are calling this election “high stakes,” with the main contenders being Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to INEC, 2,629,025 people are registered to vote, but only 2,249,780 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Edo South Senatorial District leads in PVC collections with 1,254,424 (55.76%), followed by Edo North with 629,397 (27.98%), and Edo Central with 365,959 (16.27%).

Edo State is made up of 18 local government areas, 192 wards, and 4,519 polling units. Voting is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., though those already in line by the closing time will still be allowed to vote, as per INEC guidelines.

Security is tight with 35,000 police personnel deployed, and INEC has accredited 134 domestic and foreign observers, along with hundreds of journalists to cover the event.

The winner will be inaugurated in November, when Governor Godwin Obaseki’s term comes to an end. Stay tuned for live updates on the election as they unfold.