Daily Trust News report that, As the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State approaches, political parties are grappling with internal crises that may impact their performance at the polls. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) are the three major parties contesting the election, but they are all plagued by crises.
The PDP's crisis is the most pronounced, with factionalization and resignations rocking the party. The crisis began after the 2020 governorship election and has continued unabated, with many party chieftains resigning and joining opposition parties. Notable resignations include Charles Idahosa, Frank Abass Momoh Jega, Nosa Adams, Prince Abubakar Felix Isuku, Dr Flex Akhabue, former Speaker Frank Okiye, Benjamin Obaseki, and Senator Mathew Urhoghide.
The APC is also dealing with the fallout from its primary election, which produced Senator Monday Okpebholo as its candidate. While the crisis is not as intense as the PDP's, notable chieftains like Dr Victoria Amu, Francis Inegbinoki, and John Mayaki have resigned or are working against the party's candidate.
The LP is grappling with a leadership crisis between the loyalists of its National Chairman, Julius Abure, and the state Chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi. The crisis has led to a vote of confidence in the Ogbaloi-led state executive by the party's governorship candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata.
Analysts believe that the crises in the three major parties may affect their chances in the election. The PDP's crisis, in particular, has led to high-profile defections to the APC, with former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and former House of Representatives Member Ogbeide Ihama aligning with the APC and its candidate. The development has been described as a pivotal moment in Edo politics, reflecting the growing momentum for the APC.
The PDP has suspended and expelled some members for anti-party activities, but the party's handling of the situation has been criticized by some members. A former PDP governorship aspirant, Barr Anselm Ojezua, believes that the APC is gaining from the PDP's crisis and that the PDP's chances in the election are bleak.
The crises in the three major parties have raised concerns about their ability to contest the election successfully. The election is seen as a test of strength for the parties, and the crises may impact the outcome.
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