A political analyst, Comrade Bello Osaretin, has delved into the intricacies of the upcoming September 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
Comrade Osaretin emphasized a departure from the norm, stating that Edo citizens are poised to vote with a sense of purpose for their next chief executive.
He highlighted the significance of candidates stepping up to contest or govern Edo State, asserting that many believe in their capacity to contribute positively to the state’s development and view entering the political race as the means to actualize this aspiration.
Enumerating key players in the election, Comrade Osaretin pointed out Barrister Olumide Akpata, former NBA President, representing the Labour Party, LP, and Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikorogie of the National Rescue Movement, NRM.
“As I earlier told you, we have Labour Party that has Olumide Akpata, former NBA President. We have, there is one party called NRM, National Rescue Movements, they fielded Dennis Osahon Aikorogie, with the heavyweights of APC and PDP”, he said.
He underscored the fluid political landscape, with notable figures from both the APC and PDP adding complexity to the electoral dynamics.
Discussing potential upsets, Comrade Osaretin drew parallels with states like Abia, where a governor emerged without a strong party structure.
He emphasized the unpredictable nature of elections, referencing the previous general election where neither APC nor PDP secured victory in Edo State.
Turning to geographical considerations, Comrade Osaretin identified Edo South as the battleground for the upcoming election. He noted that the Labour Party has already chosen its candidate from this region, prompting strategic moves by other parties like APC and PDP to select their deputies from either Edo South or Edo North.
This, according to Comrade Osaretin, is aimed at effectively mobilizing support in the crucial Edo South battleground
“So the battle field is Edo South today, that’s why any of the candidate of PDP or APC, they have to look at the direction of Edo South to pick their deputies or Edo North for their deputies so that they can use it to galvanize supporters”, he said.
