Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, appears to be gaining an early lead in the election. Results from Ovia South West, Ward 08, PU 017 are trickling in, and the numbers are underwhelming.
The Labour Party, touted as a force in the state, secured a grand total of zero votes.Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) managed a paltry 26 votes, and PDP topped the chart with a less-than-impressive 43 votes. Clearly, these numbers aren’t exactly the landslide anyone was hoping for. Blame it on the rain, if you like. Edo’s roads are a complete disaster, and the downpour made sure voter turnout was as miserable as the road conditions.
Over in Uselu, Benin City, things seem slightly more civilized. According to voters, the election was peaceful, which is a miracle considering how chaotic things could have been. But peaceful or not, the low turnout due to bad weather speaks volumes about how unprepared the state is for a simple democratic process. When will they ever fix these roads? Maybe after the elections?
Meanwhile, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, is busy painting a rosy picture of his voting experience. He called it “seamless.” Akpata, casting his vote at Oredo Ward 6, Unit 11, was all smiles and thumbs up as the crowd cheered him on.
In an interview with reporters, Akpata was quick to praise the smooth functioning of the voting machines and the ease of the process for him, at least.
He picked up his ballot paper, thumbprinted where everyone expected him to, and off he went. He admitted that he’s hearing some “concerning feedback” from other parts of the state. Of course, being the careful politician that he is, Akpata isn’t jumping to any conclusions. He’s waiting for “verified” information before making any sweeping statements. How noble.
“For my own process, it was seamless, the machine worked, I was captured and I picked up my ballot paper, I went into the booth, I thumbprint where you would imagine I would thumbprint and so that went well,” Akpata told reporters.
“I hope that would be the experience of every Edo voter. I am not going to conclude that that is the experience of every Edo voter until we start to get feedback.
“We are getting some concerning feedback from around the state, but I am not the kind of person who is going to make any statement until I verify the sources of my information. So, it is early in the day, and we will be observing the process as we go.”
Despite his reservations, Akpata is “optimistic.” He hopes that the playing field remains level throughout the process because that’s what we all expect from Nigerian elections, right?
He’s hoping that the best man will win. But let’s not play, Akpata knows he’s up against political powers like Asue Ighodalo from the PDP and Monday Okpebholo from the APC. The race is fierce, and optimism might not be enough to secure a win.
So, here we are, with rain-drenched roads, zero votes for the Labour Party in some areas, and questionable “seamless” voting experiences for others. Welcome to Edo State’s 2024 governorship election. Let’s hope the rest of the day doesn’t disappoint.
