Last Saturday, September 21st, Edo State held its gubernatorial elections. With 17 parties on the ballot, the focus was on the candidates of the PDP, APC, and Labour Party.
Unfortunately, voter turnout was at its lowest in recent years, reflecting a growing disillusionment with the electoral process. Monday Okpebholo of the APC was declared the winner by INEC, but observers have raised concerns about the election as flawed, raising questions about
the integrity of the results.
Photo by mamichidera on Retna.io
Why All the Fuss?
These elections matter significantly, especially as they occur near the midpoint of President Tinubu’s administration. They present an opportunity for parties to strengthen their base in Edo State and strategically position themselves for the 2027 General Elections.
Moreover, these off-cycle elections serve as a barometer for the ruling party’s popularity and a test of INEC’s preparedness for the upcoming general elections.
Why does Nigeria have Off-Cycle Elections?
But why do these elections happen outside the typical election cycle? Off-cycle elections occur when a sitting governor vacates office, often due to a judicial order. The first state to experience this in the Fourth Republic was Anambra. In 2003, Chris Ngige of the PDP was declared the winner, only for Peter Obi of the APGA to successfully challenge the results, leading to his swearing-in two years later.
Edo State’s off-cycle journey began in 2007, when Adams Oshiomhole successfully contested Oserhermen Osunbor’s victory and was declared the winner in 2008.
Currently, eight states in Nigeria have off-cycle elections. While these elections pose unique challenges, such as voter fatigue and increased costs, they also provide benefits. They allow for easier management than general elections and serve as a valuable test run. For instance, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was first deployed in Anambra in 2021 before its broader implementation in the 2023 general elections.
Conclusion
As Edo State moves forward from these elections, the implications are clear. The low voter turnout underscores a critical need for electoral reforms and renewed public trust in the democratic process. For political parties, this is not just about winning; it’s about revitalizing engagement and addressing the concerns of the electorate. The upcoming years will be pivotal, as all eyes turn toward the 2027 General Elections, where the lessons learned from Edo’s off-cycle elections could prove invaluable. The future of democracy in Nigeria hinges on how these parties respond to the challenges ahead and their ability to reignite public enthusiasm for the electoral process.