Edo’s Manifesto Battle: Candidates Roll Out Ambitious Plans

With the presentation of their manifesto last Wednesday, a day prior to the inauguration of the campaign council by the Peoples Democratic Party for their candidates in the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, Mr. Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie have advanced in their aspiration to govern the state.
Nearly a month earlier on May 28, 2024, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Monday Okpebolo unveiled his manifesto to the Edo people in the diaspora in Washington DC, United States.
Barrister Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate in the three-way gubernatorial race in the state, is reportedly preparing to launch his manifesto following the resolution of the deputy governorship issue by the Federal High Court in Abuja, confirming Professor Yusuf Asamah Kadiri over Alufohai Oluyinka Faith.
Edo State Chapter Chairman of LP, Mr. Kelly Ogbaloi, confirmed to THEWILL that the party will release its manifesto at an opportune time without competing with other parties.

The Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council titled their manifesto the “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” which outlines initiatives for security, women and youth development, education, agriculture, food security, and rural, community development.

The document also emphasizes the care for the elderly, respect for traditional and religious institutions, industrialization, support for children and vulnerable individuals in society, and the utilization of diaspora resources for enhanced development across all regions of the state.
It envisions the establishment of platforms for active participation in the state’s progress, recognizing valuable skills, perspectives, and investments to foster cooperation and mutual respect for overall development. The manifesto specifically addresses the youth, emphasizing their role as current leaders and promising support for their potential through educational opportunities, bursaries, job training programs, and policies to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
The manifesto additionally pledges to uphold the significance of religious and traditional institutions, the elderly, and other stakeholders in nurturing the state’s spiritual and moral well-being through dialogue and partnerships that promote peace and tolerance.

Furthermore, it assures the provision of healthcare, social services, and community programs tailored to the needs of the elderly, while creating an enabling environment for growth, sustainability, and economic stability in Edo State.
The document commits to improving rural infrastructure, healthcare, and social services to enhance the quality of life and ensure equitable access to essential services for all residents.
Senator Okpebhole, unveiling his manifesto in the USA under the title ‘Manifesto of Renewed Hope,’ outlined his priorities for addressing insecurity, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation, education, healthcare, digital economy, women empowerment, and judicial reform to rejuvenate Edo State.
Accompanied by notable personalities, Senator Okpebhole emphasized his commitment to enhancing security, infrastructure, economic development, healthcare, education, and tourism while engaging Edo State indigenes abroad through the Edo Diaspora Agency.
Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine, a political science expert at the Lagos State University, expressed concerns about the gubernatorial manifestoes, highlighting the need for clear governance issues and sustainable funding sources beyond monthly allocations from the central government to address the state’s challenges effectively.