The September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State is just around the corner, and the three major political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) – have flagged off their campaigns.
However, internal wranglings within the parties are threatening to tear them apart and jeopardize their chances of winning the election.
The Contenders
The APC, PDP, and LP are the major contenders in the election, given their membership, spread, and financial strength.
The APC and LP are determined to unseat the ruling PDP, citing their impressive performance in the 2023 general elections. However, observers argue that the internal conflicts within the parties may hinder their chances of victory.
Internal Wranglings
The LP is grappling with internal crisis over its deputy governorship candidate, with some members rejecting the replacement of Oluyinka Faith Alufohai with Yusuf Kadiri (SAN). The party’s primary election is also being challenged by some members, leading to fears of a divided house.
The APC’s internal crisis began with the composition of its Campaign Council, leading to the resignation of key members like Chief Francis Inegbeneki and John Mayaki. Defections to the PDP have further weakened the party, with some members vowing to sabotage the party’s chances from within.
The PDP is also facing internal struggles, with aggrieved members like former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama vowing to sabotage the party’s chances from within. Shaibu has publicly endorsed the APC candidate, while Ogbeide-Ihama has donated campaign vehicles and secretariats to the APC.
Upper Hand
Analysts argue that neither the APC nor the PDP or LP currently has the upper hand. The trio has lost and won members, and how they are able to take advantage of the torrent of defection in the rivals’ camp will determine who has the upper hand above the other. However, the PDP’s incumbency and financial muscle may give it an advantage.
Biggest Asset
The PDP’s deputy governorship candidate, Osarodion Ogie, is seen as the party’s biggest asset. Ogie is a seasoned politician with rich political credentials, having served in different capacities. He is loved by Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists in Edo State, and analysts argue that the PDP can only ride on his back to coast to victory.
Implications
The internal wranglings have significant implications for the election outcome. While analysts point out that the APC has lost some of the members in its support base due to defections, the PDP’s internal crisis has led to a level of decline in their popularity also.
The LP’s divisions may also cost it crucial votes in the metropolitan areas.
The strongholds of the LP are the metropolitan local government areas of Edo, Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba-Okah and parts of Edo North among others.
In all, the internal wranglings within the APC, PDP, and LP have created an unpredictable landscape in the lead-up to the Edo State gubernatorial election.
While the PDP’s incumbency and financial muscle may give it an advantage, the LP’s grassroots support and the APC’s determination to unseat the ruling party cannot be underestimated.
Ultimately, the party that overcomes its internal conflicts and presents a united front will have the upper hand in this crucial election.
