The people of Edo state have been trooping out to their various polling booths for accreditation in order to elect their state governor today.Early reports said there was a very massive turnout of voters at the various centres in Benin city as accreditation started in some areas as early as 8am.
Incumbent Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Action Congress of Nigeria ,ACN is seeking reelection in an poll where the General Charles Airhiavbere of Peoples Democratic Party PDP is wishing to return his party to power.The CPC candidate has reportedly stepped down for Oshiomhole,but the All Nigeria Peoples Party ,ANPP is in the race too with Chief Solomon Edebiri as its candidate.
Given the tension ahead of the polls, security has understandably been tight today, reports said.But the heavy presence of armed soldiers has been a source of worry to many observers.Security men were seen screening people before being allowed access to the polling votes.Those without voters’ cards were not allowed in .
Today’s votes are significant even beyond the choice of a governor.It may in fact signal either the rejuvenation or political death of Tony Anenih who has been infamous as the godfather of Edo politics before Oshiomhole became governor.Oshiomhole however defanged the godfather throughout his three -year stint .But Anenih has been making some noises of late implying that his party will dethrone Oshiomhole and reassert his vice grip on the state.Oshiomhole and his massive supporters believe Anenih and his party have no future in the state anymore.
Today, it is the people’s votes that will indeed decide who wears the crown.
