Politics

2024: Edo And The Politics Of Zoning [OPINION]

Published

2 years ago

October 19, 2023

Editor

One plus that accrues to Edo State politically is that every four years, the Edo governorship election has a different date from the main election dates of the federation. That stagger, from the national political grid, naturally allows the entire nation to give it focus and there is ample time and unfettered space for robust discussions about the likely outcomes.

So it is now as the countdown has invariably begun to the seventh governorship elections in the state, that is, seventh since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Permutation and extrapolation are on. Graphs are being drawn just as political pundits are analysing and re-analysing the pathways and players that would determine the next occupant of Osadebay Avenue, come 2024. Critical among the many crucial strands of political and social discourses about this all-important governorship elections in Edo State is the subject of zoning.

We in Ogbakha-Edo, ever conscious of the socio-political terrains we survey and sensitive to the interplay of forces impinging on the fortunes of the good people of Edo South and, indeed, of the entire Edo State, wish to record our views about this trending issue of zoning.

Some may wonder why this rejoinder is pertinent since political parties are yet to officially announce their candidates. Yet, social, traditional and grapevine media have obvious iterations that already seek to spin a predetermined narrative for the position of governor in Edo State. And quite unfortunately, the body and voice languages seem determined to dictate that only a governor from Edo Central is morally entitled to aspire for and acquire the apex seat of our dear state in 2024.

The primary “justification” by the proponents of this posture is the argument that sixteen out of the twenty-four years of our reborn, albeit nascent, democratic sojourn in the state have been filled by governors of Edo South extraction. Growing from this purported marginalisation which is being surreptitiously spun into an emotional blackmail of sorts is a nearly enervating contention of the Esan Agenda sponsors. In words and in deeds, some seek to demonise anyone who dares to hold an alternative view to their Esan-must-rule position.

FROM ALSO: PDP Crisis Made Manipulation Of 2023 Election Easy – Bode George

We do not believe that a tribal card, cleverly adorned with the cloak of zoning, is what Edo State needs at this point. We do not think that tribal descent is the foremost consideration in catapulting the state from its current nearly antediluvian age of untold backwardness and underdevelopment spanning the length and breadth of our urban and rural centres to a frontline destination of trade, commerce and wealth.

To pursue crucially needed cognate development in Edo State, to make progress and happiness available to our people, we must embrace open mindedness and decide wisely. Our mission here is to enlighten our people sufficiently and therefore broaden the thinking of well-meaning Edo citizens so that we do not mark time for four more years while neighbouring baby states are placing themselves on the map of world recognition for good.

Quite clearly, the politics of zoning has no place in the laws of our land as far as political positions are concerned. Political parties, of course, have the liberty to employ zoning as a policy of fairness and inclusiveness. Instructive it is though that mature political permutations often require that parties look before they leap and so would never sacrifice quality representation and quest for electoral victory on the altar of tribal considerations.

Politics is a game of numbers, not an exercise in emotional gymnastics and puerile infantilism. Parties put their best feet forward, understanding that, as Yale professor of law and political scientist Harold Lasswell puts it, “politics is about who gets what, when and how.” We expect that vying political parties in the state would field robust candidates who model a meeting point of cognate experience in public office dealings with private sector understanding; capacity and a clear articulation of dire and needed expectations; true grassroots representation thinking fuelled by longstanding connection with grassroots’ hopes and aspirations of the good people of the state; and, of course, a capacity to pool the needed human support to win an election in a fairly plural state like ours.

Our Esan brothers should not expect that the numbers would be swallowed up in tribal patronage. If indeed we are one, having a consanguinity that draws from the deepest of historical roots, Esan quite clearly being the junior in the Edoid nativity, it should not be hard for them to accept that whether from Edo South, North or Central, a good governor is a good governor. The days of expecting development only on the platter of tribal presence in Osadebay Avenue are far gone. Ours should be a mindset that frees our political space to throw up persons who can bring the much needed development to the state. It is not tied to tribe, and shouldn’t be.

As Ciceros and elderly citizens in the political space of Edo, we believe we have capacity to see beyond narrow sentiments. Thus, it is crucial that we sound the bell now, resonate and reverberated. A pursuit of a purely tribal agenda will ultimately place the peace loving people of Edo State on an unnecessary pathway of collision, hatred and anomie. Emotions will be bruised, tribal intolerance could spiral out of control as the signs already suggest in the dialogues surfacing on social media spaces. We must not allow present day politicians draw us into a fight of blame in which they have personal and ulterior motives. The subtle attempt to introduce bad blood into our peaceful state in the name of zoning must be resisted by all. The ploy to achieve personal objectives by knocking heads in the state must be firmly challenged and overthrown.

We have been governed in this state by an Esan man who demonstrated capacity and a love for the entire state. Professor Ambrose Alli of evergreen memory was a governor for all. He neither rose to that status by flying the Esan Agenda flag nor were non-Esan candidates made to feel threatened through emotional blackmail. The tenure of the respected late professor of morbid anatomy came on board as a vision whose time had inevitably come. Citizens gave their votes not because of a zoning reward or political grandstanding and gang up but as a natural concomitance of massive acceptance of a self-effacing man who sought to serve his state. Coming as minority in a state that then included the Niger Delta in the defunct Bendel State, he won the elections to become the first executive governor of then Bendel State.

Beyond that, we must ask, “Whose nest is about to be feathered by this tribal drumming in the land?” Who is pushing, and for what purpose? We question the altruism of this nauseous inorganic political concoction being prepared for purely selfish reasons but deodorised with a false perfume of zoning. Edo must resist any attempts to give the state as reward for privately driven interests.

One underbelly of this new mantra is the rightness of foisting a play on Edo State which was not permitted at the national level. Charity would have been seen to have begun at home had the PDP as a political party, for instance, insisted that the zoning system be employed in choosing who ran its flag during the last presidential elections. It smacks of double standards to be supportive of a non-zoning and liberalised internal electioneering for the 2023 presidential event, lining up behind a candidate of northern extraction who would have succeeded another northerner, but now attempt to deprive citizens of our state the full latitude to seek the number one position of the state because of their tribes. That cannot be allowed.

Edo is blessed with citizens who can govern this equally blessed state. Edo can be far better than it is today. We cannot submit ourselves to narrow tribal compulsives in the name of zoning or impose upon0 ourselves limitations that cannot do for the larger number of people the greater good in the shortest possible time. Whether Edo South, North or Central, the right to breathe is not limited to minority tribes. The majority also needs oxygen and protection from political asphyxation in the pretended name of zoning. The Right to breathe should be thrown open as it was in the February 25th Presidential election by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

By Professor Sam Guobadia and Dr. A. O. Izekor, Chairman and Secretary, Ogbakha-Edo

Politics

By-election: PDP, APC Exchange Words Over Alleged Plan To Disrupt Poll

Published

12 hours ago

August 15, 2025

Editor

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Friday alleged that it had uncovered plans by the Peoples Democratic Party to cause chaos by attacking selected polling and collation centres during Saturday’s by-election in Edo Central and Ovia Federal Constituency.

In a statement signed by the state APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, the party also alleged that the state PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and a top party chieftain, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, were part of the plot.

However, Aziegbemi, who chairs the PDP caretaker committee in the state, dismissed the allegation in a message to journalists, describing it as “absolute nonsense.”

PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, also said the APC did not deserve a response, adding, “All we demand is a level playing field for a free, fair and transparent election.”

Inegbeniki also denied any plan to disrupt the election, describing the APC’s claims as “malicious, false, and misleading.”

The APC statement read, “The All Progressives Congress wishes to inform the general public, and in particular, electorates in Edo State, that we have uncovered a dastardly plan by the remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party to cause chaos by attacking some selected polling and collation centres on Saturday in the Edo Central and Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.

“Last (Thursday) night, a large crowd of thugs suspected to have been imported from neighbouring states was seen gathered at Chief Francis Inegbeniki’s home in Opoji, Esan West Local Government Area of the state, and they were dispatched last night to various points in Edo Central.

“We have earlier reported to the security agencies that Inegbeniki played a major role in the murder of Inspector Akor, but sadly, he has been left to walk the streets freely unchallenged. One of those who attended the briefing informed us that they were brought from neighbouring states for the purpose of the senatorial election.

“Similarly, strange-looking youngsters in several unmarked buses were seen last night, parked at the residence of the state caretaker chairman of the PDP, Mr. Tony Aziegbemi, in Benin City, and again we have been told that the unidentified fierce-looking men have been dispatched to Ovia North East and Ovia South West Local Government Areas to disrupt the re-run election.”

Tenebe urged the Nigerian Police to arrest the PDP leaders and others allegedly involved to prevent attacks on voters, stressing that elections should not be treated as war.

He said the APC remained committed to the principles of free, fair, and credible elections, adding that the party had campaigned vigorously and was ready to win both by-elections overwhelmingly.

“We are advising Aziegbemi and his cohorts that they should not stand in our way to victory, but if they insist on their evil plans to constitute themselves as hurdles, they will be the way. Saturday’s election shall be the testament and confirmation of the 2.5 million votes Edo people have promised President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. We call on all eligible voters to turn out in their numbers to cast their votes unhindered,” Tenebe added.

In his response, Inegbeniki said, “My attention has been drawn to a libellous press release signed by a self-styled Emperor Jarret Tenebe, where my name was mentioned as one of those mobilising thugs to disrupt the Saturday election in Esan Land (Edo Central Senatorial District).

“I take exception to that reckless statement coming from the mouth of a deserter soldier man. It is clear that Tenebe needs urgent mental health attention, and he should not be taken seriously.

“Tenebe has become a disgrace to the APC. He is known for his reckless talks; he talks before thinking.”

He urged the people of Edo Central to go about their civic duties peacefully and turn out to vote.

“The APC must begin to watch the activities of Jarret Tenebe. He is known in the past to make this kind of reckless statement so that the APC can release money to him to counter the so-called imaginary thugs. This must be one of such statements to collect money from the APC.

“Once again, I deny any involvement in the death of Inspector Akor. I was not on Airport Road on the day of the incident, nor did I plan or conspire with anyone. I am innocent of the allegations. It is now clear that it was Tenebe who framed up the allegations against me just to smear my hard-earned reputation.

“Being an innocent and law-abiding Nigerian, I have already instituted a libel action against Jaret Tenebe and his cohorts. We are in court, and I believe I will get justice”, he stated.

Politics

By-Election: Edo Is Home To APC — Deputy Gov, Idahosa

Published

1 day ago

August 14, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon Dennis Idahosa, says irrespective of the setback experienced during the immediate past administration of the state, Edo is originally home to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa stated this during the final campaign round for the Ovia federal constituency by-election in Ovia South West local government area that took place at Iguobazuwa.

The deputy governor expressed optimism that the party will come victorious in the bye-election scheduled for Saturday.

Idahosa, who was the occupant of the seat before his election as the state’s deputy governor, said he was sure of the APC candidate, Hon Omosede Igbinedion, securing a minimum of 90 percent votes for the by-election.

“All that is needed is for us to fully mobilise and encourage our supporters to come out enmass to exercise their civic responsibilities on Saturday.

“It is very obvious that from our engagement with the people these past days and across various communities in the federal constituency, we are sure of not less than 90 percent of total votes cast.

“In fact, is not for the misdeed of the immediate past administration, Edo is home to the APC, it has always been right from the AC to ACN, and before the APC”, Idahosa stated

Meanwhile, the APC candidate for the bye-election, again reiterated her commitment to the betterment of the federal constituency.

Omosede Igbinedion noted that her synergy with the deputy governor was sure to attract developmental projects to the federal government.

She appealed to the people to come out on Saturday without fear or intimidation, to do what is required of them, cast their votes for the progressives party.

Notable leaders at the grand finale of the campaign at Iguobazuwa were the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, former deputy governors of the state, Dr Pius Odubu, and Chief Lucky Imasuen.

Others are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the party former governorship candidate,Mr Lawrence Okah, the state Secretary of the party, Senator Neda Imasuen, Chief Billy Osawaru, amongst others.

Politics

Osun LG Crisis: INEC To Relocate CVR Centres, Releases Gov Poll Timetable

Published

2 days ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State said it will relocate registration points for the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration exercise from local government secretariats currently under lock.

Osun LG secretariats have been shut since February 17, 2025, due to a tussle between the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress over control of councils.

The APC had claimed that the February 10, 2025, decision of the Court of Appeal, Akure, had returned its candidates elected in the October 15, 2022, local government elections, but sacked by the Osogbo Federal High Court in December 2022.

But the PDP insisted that the officials who emerged on February 22, 2025, are legally recognised to manage the affairs of council areas in the state.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, the state capital, on Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, said the affected INEC offices had been identified and would be moved to alternative locations to ensure the CVR proceeds without disruption.

Agboke said, “The CVR will start on the 18th day of August, 2025, with online registration.

“By this, the prospective registrant will visit www.cvr.inecnigeria.org to supply the necessary information about himself or herself.

“Thereafter, he or she will generate a slip to take to INEC local government office within his place of residence.

“Later on the 25th of August 2025, the registrant will visit the local government office for his or her biometrics, i.e the fingerprint and the facial.

“INEC offices located inside local government secretariats are not shut down.

“However, INEC has harvested the number of those local government offices. We want to bring them out of the LG secretariats. We are working on that. Our headquarters had requested for their details and we have forwarded to them.”

Agboke also announced that activities for the August 8, 2026, Osun governorship election have officially begun, with notices posted in all INEC LG offices.

Party primaries are scheduled between November 24 and December 15, 2025, while submission of candidates’ particulars will run from January 15 to February 9, 2026.

He stated, “This is necessary to enable political parties democratically nominate candidates for the election as required by section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022. The submission of forms EC9 ( personal particulars of candidates) and EC9B (Names/list of nominated candidates) online at the nomination portal of the commission at 9 am on the 15th day of January, 2026, to 6 pm on the 9th February 2026.

“Access code for the submission of nomination forms shall be available for collection on 15th December, 2025, at the headquarters of the commission. I implore all the political parties and other stakeholders to follow the timetable for the 2026 Governorship Election for Osun State with a view to tracking the various activities contained therein. Copies of the timetable shall be made available to the political parties at this meeting in a short while. The 2026 Governorship election shall be conducted on the 8th day of August,2026.”

He appealed to political parties and other major stakeholders to work against the menace of vote buying, saying the electorate should be educated not to sell their votes.

The REC also called on all stakeholders to continue supporting INEC in the state for it to deliver a credible election, noting that the commission alone cannot deliver a peaceful and successful election without their cooperation.
(PUNCH)