Edo State Gubernatorial Elections 2024: The Heartbeat Mustn’t Stop Beating, by Clement Uwayah

As Edo State prepares for the 2024 gubernatorial elections on September 21st, the stakes are high, and the fate of the state’s progress hangs in the balance. The heartbeat of Edo State’s development must not stop beating; the upcoming elections will determine the pace of its future growth. We must recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan once opined, “As the conduct of elections is a test of democracy, so also is the acceptance of its outcome.” It is therefore incumbent on everyone to ensure we pass this election’s test.

The electioneering campaigns have been intense, with jabs, intrigues, and tensions. While robust debates are essential, we yearned for issue-based campaigns showcasing visions for Edo’s future. However, personal attacks and inflammatory statements seemed to characterize the campaigns, polarizing the electorate and undermining the democratic process.

For successful elections, candidates and party loyalists must respect the electoral process and refrain from coercion, intimidation, or vote-buying. The use of thugs to distort the process must be resisted, as it puts lives in danger. Our democracy must evolve and thrive peacefully. Candidates and loyalists must acknowledge power comes from above, hence the need for circumspection.

Electorates must troop out, exercise their franchise, and recognize voting apathy undermines democracy. Voting is a civic responsibility. Staying away due to poor governance doesn’t improve the system. Martin Luther King Jr. hinted, “The power of the ballot is the most effective way to bring about change,” respectively. Edo State’s citizens must prioritize peace, unity, and progress. Elect leaders sharing your vision for a brighter future. Resist vote selling; if unavoidable, collect the money but vote according to your conscience.

Security agencies play a crucial role in ensuring peaceful elections. They must remain neutral, impartial, and professional, eschewing partisanship and bias. Their presence should reassure citizens, not intimidate them. Security goes beyond protecting citizens from harm to protecting their rights. The police must not repress people from voting, especially in opponents’ strongholds. The federal government and law enforcement agencies must resist using their might against opposing parties, undermining democratic principles and creating uneven playing fields.

On the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all efforts must be put at ensuring the conduct a free and fair election. No doubts, the credibility of any elections rests on the operations of the umpire. INEC must ensure timely delivery of materials to all polling units, as well as prevent materials shortages. There should be nothing short of providing equal access to voting facilities for all citizens, irrespective of the localities. Incidences of purposeful denials must be avoided.

Though a state elections, the international community need be present to observe the processes. Building a democratic nation takes root from the various localities. They must be seeing as helping Nigeria to build its democracy to an enviable state, where any leader that emerges from an election can truly be called the people’s chosen.

In conclusion, the Edo State gubernatorial elections are a critical milestone. Let’s ensure the heartbeat of Edo’s development continues to beat stronger. Citizens, candidates, security operatives, INEC, and the federal government must work together to guarantee peaceful, free, and fair elections. May the elections bring positive change and progress.

Long live Edo State! Long live Nigeria!

Clement Uwayah, a political affairs commentator writes from Benin City.