Truth be told, Saturday (today’s) governorship poll in Edo State is between two gladiators; incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, aside these two, some other candidates have also deployed resources to take a shot at being elected the governor of the state.
Amongst these 14 candidates, the electorates in 2,627 polling booths would be just one as their governor to lead them for the next four years.
All political parties have concluded their campaigns while most of the state’s 2,210,534 resident of the State who have picked up their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs would be deploying the small, but mighty civic instrument to decide the fate of the gladiators.
Nearly 500,000 voters have failed to pick up their PVC from INEC office.
The election will be conducted in 193 wards in 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
14 political parties and their candidates made up of 12 males and 2 females are jostling for the Edo State apex job.
Meet the candidates and their political parties
Godwin Obaseki: He is from Benin City and the incumbent governor. He is an experienced stockbroker and economist. Although Obaseki came to office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he lost the battle for the party ticket in his second term voyage.
He has since defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to crystalise the ambition. He is standing as PDP candidate in the election.
Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu: He is the governor’s main challenger and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the election. He was Chief of Staff to former Governor Lucky Igbinedion and once campaign Director General for the reelection of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Isaiah Osifo Uhun-Ekpenma: The former Chief of Staff to erstwhile Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor is the standard bearer for Labour Party LP. Although not favoured to win the race, he is strong enough to pose a threat to the front runners.
Obhafuoso Paul will fly the flag of Action Alliance, AA.
Akhigbe Ehiabhi will stand for the African Democratic Congress ADP in the election.
Ibio Emmanuel is the candidate for Action Democratic Party ADP
Lucky Idehen is candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
Igbineweka Osamuede for Allied Peoples Movement APM
Amos Osalumese Areloegbe for All Peoples Party APP
Agolebun Tracy, one of the two ladies in the race will stand in for the Nigerian People’s Party, NPP,
Stevie Ozono is for National Rescue Movement (NRM);
Felix Obayagbon will contest on the platform of Social Democratic Party, SDP;
Jones Osagiobare will run on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP)
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) would field Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena.