By Halimah Olamide
As Edo State stands at crossroads of leadership, the long anticipated election kicks off today, with three top candidates (Asues Ighodalo of PDP, Senator Monday, Okpebholo of APC, and Olumide Akpata of LP), competing as a potential leader of the State.
MONDAY OKPEBOLO- (APC)
As a candidate, Monday Okpebolo represents a potential shift in the political landscape of Edo State.
BACKGROUND
From his early days in Udomi-Uwessan community of Irrua. Okpebolo has been a champion for education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
His journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of social justice and an unwavering belief in the power of community engagement.
EDUCATION
Okpebholo attended Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School, both in Uwesan Irrua, Esan Central LGA. He completed his secondary education and obtained his senior school certificate in Jos Plateau. . Afterwards, he obtained a degree in Business Administration from theUniversity of Abuja and holds Masters’ degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.
CAREER
Monday Okpebolo has built a diverse and impactful career dedicated to public service and community development. He contested for the Senate Seat in Edo Central District, under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was elected on 25 February 2023.
On 13 June 2023, he was inaugurated into the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria , as the senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Edo Central Senatorial District.
Meanwhile, in February 2024, he won the Edo State APC gubernatorial primary election.
MANIFESTO
Okpebholo highlighted 5 major cardinal programmes he seeks to focus and improve on in the state, which he listed as security, infrastructural development, education, agriculture and water provision.
ASUES IGHODALO (PDP)
Asuerinme Ighodalo, a lawyer who hails from Okaigben, Ewahimi, Esan Sourh East LGA of the state.
EDUCATION
The politician attended King’s College in Lagos, after which he obtained a B.Sc in Economics from the Uiversity of Ibadan.
Following this, he bagged his LL.B from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1984, followed by a B.L in the Nigerian Law School in 1985.
CAREER
His corporate journey was full blown following the founding of Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial firms.
Ighodalo’s influence extends beyond his business ventures, as he has served as the Chairman and Director of several notable companies and organizations, including Sterling Bank, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NEHe).
MANIFESTO
Ighodalo seeks to create platforms for active participation in the state development, recognising the valuable skills, perspectives and investments.
Additionally, he aims to improve rural infrastructure such as roads, healthcare, and social services, to enhance the quality of life and ensure equal access to essential services for all.
OLUMIDE AKPATA (LP)
In the vibrant landscape of Edo State, where tradition meets ambition, Olumide Akpata, the lawyer turned politician, has proven a solid track record in advocacy, law, and community service.
Born in Berlin, Germany in 1972, he has dedicated his life to championing justice and empowering the voices of the marginalized.
CAREER
Akpata’s journey is defined by a steadfast commitment to justice, community development, and economic empowerment. With a vibrant career as the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, this has equipped him with the insights and experience necessary to tackle the pressing issues facing the state today.
He began his legal journey at Templars, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial law firms, where he rose through the ranks to become a senior partner.
MANIFESTO
Akpata has set out with eight major areas on his agenda, which is listed as thus; economy and job creation, roads and related infrastructure, Electricity and energy access, Agriculture and Food Security, Education, Healthcare, Security of Lives and Property, and Other essential infrastructure.