As today’s Edo State gubernatorial election unfolds, three key candidates stand out: Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Each brings a unique vision for the future of Edo State, with distinct campaign promises that reflect their diverse backgrounds and priorities.
Asue Ighodalo, a successful lawyer and businessman, focuses on a “Path to Prosperity for All.” His platform emphasises welfare, aiming to improve healthcare, education, and youth empowerment. He also plans to stimulate economic growth by boosting agriculture and promoting locally made products. Additionally, Ighodalo promises good governance, with an emphasis on transparency and fiscal responsibility, and environmental sustainability through green energy and city planning initiatives.
Olumide Akpata, a renowned former Nigerian Bar Association president, presents a broad agenda under his “Pact with the People of Edo State.” His vision centres on industrialization, improving infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for businesses. Akpata also emphasises agriculture and food security, focusing on expanding agro-processing industries and supporting farmers. Additionally, he seeks to reform education by upgrading schools and recruiting teachers, and to improve healthcare through better facilities and emergency services.
Monday Okpebholo, a senator representing Edo Central, campaigns on his “Manifesto of Renewed Hope.” His focus is on security, infrastructure, education, and agriculture. Okpebholo promises to rejuvenate the state by improving security, fostering foreign investments, and advancing infrastructure, including roads and water provision. His manifesto also aims to boost tourism and develop Edo’s creative industry, contributing to the state’s economic growth.
While all three candidates share some common goals such as improving infrastructure and supporting agriculture, they differ in their approaches to governance and economic development. Ighodalo leans towards sustainability and welfare, Akpata prioritises industrial growth and education reform, while Okpebholo focuses on security, foreign investment, and tourism. These distinctions will be crucial as voters decide who will lead Edo State into its next chapter.
To understand the future of Edo State, it’s essential to examine the profiles of key gubernatorial candidates. Find below the detailed profiles of Asue Ighodalo (PDP), Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), and Monday Okpebholo (APC), each bringing distinct perspectives and plans for leadership.
Asue Ighodalo, the 2024 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Edo State, is a highly respected figure in Nigeria’s corporate and political landscapes. His candidacy brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors, focusing on economic development, good governance, and youth empowerment in Edo State.
Asue Ighodalo’s educational journey began at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a degree in Economics. He then pursued further studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M). His educational background, which blends economics and law, has equipped him with a global perspective and the tools to drive legal reforms, economic policies, and corporate governance in Nigeria.
Ighodalo co-founded Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s top commercial law firms. The firm is recognized for its expertise in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets. Under Ighodalo’s leadership, Banwo & Ighodalo played a key role in advising multinational corporations and facilitating major financial transactions in Nigeria. His contributions have earned him a prominent reputation as a thought leader in Nigeria’s legal and financial sectors.
In addition to his legal career, Ighodalo has served on the boards of several organizations, including Sterling Bank and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). His work in these roles has been pivotal in advocating for corporate governance reforms and national economic policies that promote transparency and accountability
Though Asue Ighodalo has been deeply involved in shaping national policy through his role in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), he is relatively new to electoral politics. However, his political involvement is not entirely new, as he has been an advisor and consultant to various government bodies on corporate governance and economic matters. He has also worked closely with the private sector to drive policy initiatives that benefit Nigeria’s economy. His foray into active politics as the PDP gubernatorial candidate marks his first direct political race, yet his extensive work with government bodies has given him a solid understanding of public governance.
Asue Ighodalo has a strong commitment to philanthropy, with a focus on education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. He has supported numerous initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education in Edo State, particularly for underprivileged children. His passion for healthcare reform has also driven him to invest in community health programs that provide critical services to vulnerable populations. Ighodalo’s philanthropic work reflects his broader vision for Edo State: to uplift society by investing in its people
Ighodalo’s gubernatorial campaign is centred on economic transformation, industrialization, and good governance. His primary objectives include creating jobs for youths, enhancing public services, and ensuring transparency in government operations. His vision also emphasises fostering Edo State’s internally generated revenue, improving infrastructure, and maintaining law and order. A significant part of his policy focus is also directed toward empowering women and supporting the elderly, civil servants, and vulnerable populations within the state.
Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, is a well-known lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). His candidacy brings a refreshing wave of hope, focusing on economic rejuvenation, social reforms, and a people-centered governance approach for Edo State.
Olumide Akpata was born on October 7, 1972, into the prominent Akpata family of Edo State. He attended the prestigious King’s College in Lagos before moving on to the University of Benin, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Law. Following his education in Nigeria, Akpata furthered his legal training abroad, gaining a global perspective that has shaped his career.
Akpata’s career as a lawyer began at the law firm of Dr. Mudiaga Odje & Co, where he honed his skills in litigation. In 1996, he joined TEMPLARS, one of Nigeria’s leading full-service law firms, where he became a Senior Partner and played an instrumental role in building the firm into a top-tier practice. His expertise spans various areas, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and energy law, making him a trusted advisor to multinational companies and governments.
Olumide Akpata’s leadership in the Nigerian Bar Association is perhaps his most widely recognized achievement. Elected as the 30th President of the NBA in 2020, Akpata was the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to lead the association in decades, breaking tradition and signalling a shift towards inclusivity in the legal profession. His tenure was marked by significant reforms, including pushing for better welfare for lawyers, championing the use of technology in law, and advocating for judicial independence.
Under his leadership, the NBA also engaged in social justice causes, holding the government accountable during the #EndSARS protests and calls for police reform. Akpata’s tenure as NBA President solidified his reputation as a progressive leader committed to the rule of law and governance reforms.
Olumide Akpata’s entry into the political arena reflects his desire to bring transformative change to Edo State. His vision for governance is deeply rooted in his belief that the rule of law, transparency, and accountability are the bedrock of a successful state. Akpata’s decision to run under the Labour Party aligns with the party’s commitment to social justice, equity, and a government that works for the people.
Akpata’s gubernatorial bid focuses on addressing the challenges of unemployment, infrastructural decay, and inadequate healthcare and education systems in Edo State. His experience in governance and policy reforms makes him well-equipped to tackle these pressing issues.
Olumide Akpata’s campaign is centred on reforming Edo State’s governance systems to ensure that they serve the people effectively. His manifesto prioritizes economic diversification, with a focus on agriculture, technology, and industrialization as the main drivers of job creation and revenue generation. He aims to improve infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to ensure equitable development across the state.
Akpata also has a strong focus on healthcare and education reforms, with plans to increase funding for public hospitals and schools, improve teacher training, and expand access to quality healthcare for all Edo residents. His leadership style emphasises inclusivity and participatory governance, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping Edo State’s future
Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for Edo State in the 2024 election, is an accomplished businessman and a philanthropist, who has been actively involved in both the public and private sectors of Edo State. His candidacy represents a focus on improving governance, economic growth, and sustainable development for the people of Edo State.
Born and raised in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo grew up with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by his community. He pursued his education locally, where he showed an early interest in business and development. Okpebholo holds a degree in Business Administration, which laid the foundation for his career as a business magnate. His strong business acumen has been a significant factor in his rise to prominence within both the private sector and political spheres.
As an entrepreneur, Monday Okpebholo is the founder and CEO of Stonemark Group, a conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate, and agriculture. His business success has earned him a reputation as a leader with a vision for growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Stonemark Group has contributed to significant infrastructure projects in Edo State, including road construction, housing development, and agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting local food production.
Okpebholo’s success in business has not only benefited the economy but also provided employment opportunities for thousands of people in Edo State, particularly youth and women. His background in business allows him to understand the importance of private-sector participation in state development, and this philosophy underpins his approach to governance.
Though Monday Okpebholo’s entry into frontline politics is relatively recent, he has long been a key player in the political and social development of Edo State. He has served as an advisor and consultant on several state projects, especially those related to infrastructure and rural development. As a member of the APC, Okpebholo has held leadership roles within the party and has been a strong advocate for pro-business policies, job creation, and good governance.
He has also been involved in grassroots mobilisation, working closely with local communities to identify their needs and implement solutions that improve their quality of life. His understanding of the political landscape and his commitment to public service are central to his gubernatorial campaign.
Monday Okpebholo is well-known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. He has funded numerous scholarship programs for underprivileged children in Edo State, ensuring that they have access to quality education. Okpebholo is also a strong supporter of healthcare reforms, and he has donated medical supplies to hospitals and sponsored health outreach programs in rural communities.
His philanthropic initiatives have earned him the trust and respect of many Edo citizens, particularly those in underserved areas. His community-driven approach to leadership reflects his desire to uplift the people of Edo State by addressing their most pressing needs.
As the APC gubernatorial candidate, Monday Okpebholo’s vision for Edo State is built on five pillars: economic growth, infrastructural development, security, education, and healthcare. He aims to leverage his business background to attract investment into the state and foster an environment conducive to industrialization. His campaign manifesto emphasises job creation, youth empowerment, and improving the state’s internally generated revenue.
A key focus of his policy is enhancing infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to ensure that all parts of the state are well-connected and have access to basic services. Okpebholo also prioritises security, recognizing the need for a stable and safe environment for economic growth. His vision for education includes modernising the curriculum, improving teacher training, and ensuring that schools are well-equipped to meet 21st-century standards. In the healthcare sector, Okpebholo plans to revamp state hospitals and make healthcare more accessible to the population.
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