Tight Race Between APC and PDP as Early Results from Edo Governorship Election Emerge
The Edo State governorship election is shaping up to be a closely contested battle between the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As polling units continue to report results, it is clear that both parties are running neck-and-neck in key areas of the state, while the Labour Party trails behind.
In Oredo Ward, early results from several polling units reflect the intense competition between the APC and PDP. At polling unit 5, where 697 voters are registered, the APC garnered 26 votes, while the PDP secured 58, and the Labour Party managed only 7. In polling unit 6, with 560 registered voters, the race was even closer, with the APC receiving 46 votes and the PDP just ahead with 50. Similar patterns emerged in other units, with both leading parties closely matched.
Meanwhile, election monitors have raised concerns about incidents of vote-buying in various parts of the state. A socio-political group, YIAGA, highlighted instances where voters were reportedly bribed with cash in some polling units. In several areas including Ikpoba/Okha, Igueben, Esan West, Akoko Edo, Owan West, and Uhunmodi local government areas (LGAs), party agents from both the APC and PDP were allegedly seen offering voters N10,000 to secure their votes.
YIAGA specifically pointed out occurrences at polling units in Igueben and Ikpoba/Okha LGAs, where party agents reportedly distributed money to voters. For instance, at the Igueben-Idumoka Primary School polling unit in Ward 1 of Igueben LGA, agents were seen bribing voters. Similar incidents were observed at Enikaro Primary School in Ugbekun Ward of Ikpoba/Okha LGA.
In addition to vote-buying, other issues have marred the election process. In Ikpoba, voters temporarily halted the accreditation and voting process after Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived without the necessary official stamps. There were also reports of violence, with an altercation breaking out between APC and PDP supporters over alleged bribery at the Ebua Market Square polling unit in Uhunwode LGA. In Akoko Edo LGA, political thugs disrupted voting at a primary school in Anyaran Araromi.
As tensions rise over allegations of voter bribery and violence, the outcome of the Edo State governorship election remains uncertain. Both major parties continue to battle it out in what appears to be a tight race. However, the controversies surrounding the election may cast a shadow over the eventual results.