The leading candidates in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election gathered yesterday at a town hall meeting organized by Unuedo, a professional association of Edo State elites, to present their plans for the state’s future.
The debate featured Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP candidate; Mr. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party, LP candidate; and Engr. Osarenren Izedonmwen of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. The All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Mr. Monday Okpebhole, was notably absent.

Olumide Akpata: Recalibrating Edo State

Labour Party candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata, a well-known lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, emphasized the need to refocus governance on the people.
Akpata expressed his concern over the state’s declining economy and the marginalization of the populace in decision-making processes.

“I am motivated to return the people to the center of governance,” Akpata stated. “Edo needs recalibration. We need to reorder our priorities to focus on the people. Our party’s philosophy is centered on ‘Papa, Mama, and Pikin,’ reflecting our commitment to policies and programs that directly benefit the people.”
Akpata reiterated his commitment to pulling Edo residents out of poverty, stating,
“It is my goal to move as many people as possible out of the doldrums. We need to create opportunities for success across the board, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Dr. Asue Ighodalo: Lifting Edo into Prosperity

Representing the PDP, Dr. Asue Ighodalo outlined his vision to transform Edo State into a prosperous, first-world sub-national entity.
He emphasized the need for strong leadership at the sub-national level to drive Nigeria’s development.
He said: “My primary objective is to take Edo people out of poverty and into prosperity. Edo State has the potential to be much greater than the national average. By leveraging our resources and creating an environment of fairness, equity, and justice, we can build a prosperous state where everyone has access to basic amenities like water, electricity, good roads, schools, and hospitals.”

Ighodalo drew comparisons to countries like Singapore, noting that Edo State has the resources needed to achieve similar levels of development. He stressed the importance of capable leadership that genuinely cares for its people.

Engr. Osarenren Izedonmwen: Revitalizing Rural Edo

ADC candidate, Engr. Osarenren Izedonmwen, focused on the need to develop Edo’s rural areas, viewing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
He proposed significant investments in rural revitalization to create wealth and improve the quality of life for residents in those areas.
“Developing our rural areas is crucial for Edo’s overall progress,” Izedonmwen stated.
“By investing in agriculture and other rural development initiatives, we can create sustainable economic opportunities that will lift our people out of poverty.”
Earlier in the event, Mr. Roman Osaeghale, a member of the Unuedo executive, highlighted the purpose of the town hall meeting, which was to draw attention to the critical issues and challenges facing Edo State.
He said: “Our goal is to identify our strengths and weaknesses, discuss ideas, and arrive at a consensus on the best sustainable solutions for the state’s development,” Osaeghale remarked.

As the Edo gubernatorial election approaches, the candidates’ visions offer the electorate clear choices on how they intend to move the state forward. With a focus on poverty alleviation, economic recalibration, and rural development, voters will have the opportunity to decide which path will best lead Edo into a prosperous future.