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PERSPECTIVES: Lessons From The Just Concluded Edo Guber Polls, By Emeka Monye

Published

2 years ago

September 27, 2024

341 Views

The Edo state governorship election, which was held on Saturday, September 21, in the 18 local councils of the state, has come and gone with the winner, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressive Congress, APC, celebrating his victory while the losers still licking their wounds of defeat.

The election came with so much hypes, tension, with all the political dynamics trying to sway, manoeuvre each other with promises of improving the lives and lots of the electorate – the final decider The candidates, particularly Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, LP, both fought great and good fights in the race and build up to the election.

Evident in this fight were the massive media and publicity advertisements ran by their campaign organizations on various new and traditional media and the mobilization of residents of Edo state. While, it will not be out of place to commend the fight and courage put up by the candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata – considering the peculiar nature of our politics, there are lessons to be learnt from the September 21 guber polls in Edo state.

It is worthy to note that, politics is good and a form of personality, acceptability and popularity test, but election is, and should never be a do or die affair, even though the incumbent governor Godwin Obaseki made us believe it is, when he said so while campaigning in the build up to the polls.

Whether we like it or not, elections are just a climax of a process in the campaign circumstance, because in the end all actors and non actors will retire to their different homes to dance the joy of victory and perhaps mourn the death of defeat.

The Edo state guber election should teach us lessons about focusing on issue-based campaigns. Rather than use hunger as a subtle way of warming into the hearts of the electorate, candidates should deploy a better strategy to win the hearts of the people.

The people are suffering, yes we know, but should hunger always be the best strategy to winning the hearts of the people? The answer lies to our individual consciences.

Certainly, the hunger currently ravaging the entire country cannot be solved by a single Nigerian and Nigerians know this. The task of nation and sub-national building of the country and state should never be left in the hands of the leaders alone, it is a collective responsibility.

The Edo election, like national polls, has proven to most political gladiators, analysts and observers that people no longer vote for parties.

They already know that all of PDP, APC, NNPP, APGA, LP and other parties are fragments of each other as most of the political elites are the same who are always quick to switch camp whenever they want, a norm that has eaten deeply into our political lexicon and culture.

The Edo governorship poll has also exposed to us that, yes, things may be tough and the economy is not smiling with average citizens, the reality staring us in the face is that no political party is synonymous with hunger and bad economy. It is just a vehicle that conveys candidates to their election victory – seat of power.

So, it will be an illusion to think that a political party is the cause of the situation. In fact, one can only say that countries who face economic challenges mainly go through such because of systemic failures. Like the saying goes, you either hate the message or the messenger. It’s a matter of choice.

The Edo election also has confirmed to the discerning minds that electorates are now wiser.

They tend to vote for a preferred candidate than a political party. Perhaps, there are qualities they saw in the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Monday Okpebholo, which they didn’t see in others.

Governor Godwin Obaseki also needs to be tutored in the school of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on how to be a good student of building a successor, bearing in mind the circumstances surrounding his choice of successor, Asue Ighodalo.

He needs to learn from Tinubu on strategies tactics of imposing a chosen successor on the people. Adams tried it, but he failed and some other former state governors who tried it, failed.

In the build up to the election, Obaseki who rode to success on the support and goodwill of some people, betrayed many of them, even those who were strong loyalists and supporters were paid with bad and fake currencies. Politics of betrayal is worse than politics without ideas.

Politics is unpredictable, the people you think are for you, oftentimes are against you.

In 2020 when Obaseki fell apart with his estranged godfather, Adams Oshiomhole, he boldly affirmed, telling Nigerians that Edo is not Lagos, hence, he is devoid of godfatherism.

But in 2024, he dumped his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for a less fancied Asue Ighodalo. Today, like the saying goes, all is now history.

Nigerians are on a daily basis growing above emotional considerations. They now look deeply and critically before they leap.

The Edo state guber election is a reflection of the feeling of most Nigerians, even though they may not be too sure whether a sure leap will land them on the right field or not. Such is the feelings among voters these days.

Like in other climes of the world. Politics is local and Nigeria and Edo state cannot be immune to the locality of the interplay of politicking.

Voters will prefer an intellectually low person who interacts with them than a highly over intelligent candidate who keeps them at arms length. The APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo is deeply grassrooted.

A man who understood the aspirations of the people of the state, more than other candidates. Perhaps this is one of his greatest points. It points to the very fact that in politics, the people at the grassroots matter, and they will continue to matter.

Like I said earlier, politics is local and not won on the strength of your popularity on new media. Most voters of the Edo election were online.

They were actually large but sadly, most of them are never voters in Edo. Edo people spoke in reality.

People who vote online are usually not resident, indigenes of citizens of that state or country.

That is the reality. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, LP, must be commended for his courage to run for the governorship for the first time, even though he came a distant third, securing less than three percent of the total votes cast. I think his loss shouldn’t be a laughing point, rather a lesson to learn from.

The need for one to build structures right from the ward, council and state levels. Perhaps it will help prepare him for better opportunities next time.

That is the reality, we learn every day. As I wind up with this piece, I believe that elections can be free and fair in our country if the electoral umpire, the INEC wants it.

And we must understand that while the supporters of various candidates are fighting and losing their sanity because of victory and defeat, the majority of actors are busy clicking the glasses in the victory celebration.

Finally, whether you are a PDP, APC, LP, NNPC, APGA, YPP, stay safe and healthy. Go take a cup of tea or coffee and not be too bother about the outpcme.

Your health is more important than any other consideration.

Avoid too much thinking so that you don’t develop BP as you are not the one contesting or losing.

*Emeka Monye Is A Journalist*

News

Police begins enforcement on vehicles with covered number plates

Lagos State police public relations officer SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement, explained that ,” The exercise will commence today, June 15, 2026, and will be led by the Commissioner of Police,Tijani Fatai.

Published

3 hours ago

June 15, 2026

OCHEFA

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The Lagos State Police Command has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), across the State to commence enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced or no registration number plates.

This was n compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

The Command said that the enforcement is aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening security, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities and activities.

He further directed that any vehicle found violating the directive be impounded and subjected to thorough investigation in accordance with extant laws and established procedures.

News

DHQ vows justice for slain retd Gen Rabe

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Dikko Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe thanked the military leadership for the show of solidarity and support.

Published

3 hours ago

June 15, 2026

OCHEFA

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Photo: Other members of the delegation included Maj.-Gen. W.B. Idris, Rear Adm. A.H. Haruna, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, Brig.-Gen. I.M. Ibrahim, Brig.-Gen. S.K. Usman (retd), S.I. Kaita (retd), Maj.-Gen. M.S. Bindawa (retd) and A.Y. Abdullahi.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that those responsible for the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abdullahi will be brought to justice.

The assurance was given yesterday when a high-powered military delegation paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government.

The delegation, led by the Chief Administration Officer, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. I.M. Abdullahi, conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the government and people of Katsina State over the death of the retired senior military officer.

Abdullahi described the late Rabe as a distinguished officer whose service and sacrifice to the nation would remain indelible.

He said that the retired general’s death was a painful loss to his family, Katsina State, the Armed Forces and the nation at large.“We share in the grief of the people of Katsina and the family of the deceased.

The Armed Forces will continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” he said.

Other members of the delegation included Maj.-Gen. W.B. Idris, Rear Adm. A.H. Haruna, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, Brig.-Gen. I.M. Ibrahim, Brig.-Gen. S.K. Usman (retd), S.I. Kaita (retd), Maj.-Gen. M.S. Bindawa (retd) and A.Y. Abdullahi.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Dikko Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe thanked the military leadership for the show of solidarity and support.

Jobe said the visit underscored the strong partnership between the state government and the military in the fight against insecurity.

News

JUNE 12: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day Address (Full Speech)

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2026

Charles Flames

49 Views

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has addressed Nigerians following the marking of June 12 Democracy Day today.

The President speaks on economic reforms, and new minimum wage.

Read full speech below:

Fellow Nigerians

Today, we celebrate not only democracy but also the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.

In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.

To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.

To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.

Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.

Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.

We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.

To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.

At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.

June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.

June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.

The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.

Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.

Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.

By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.

To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.

Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.

Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.

We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.

Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.

Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.

Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.

Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.

Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obiora
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta

We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:
Major General MA Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed;
Col Sambo Dasuki;
Col Lawan Gwadabe;
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu;
Major General Chris Eze;
Major General Harris Dzarma;
Col Isa Jibrin;
Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin;
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J Okai;
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze;
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.

The honours list will be released in the next few days.

Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.

Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.

May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.

Happy Democracy Day.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria