Esan Descendants Assembly Appeals for Unity and Peaceful Participation in Gubernatorial Election

By Osarugue Idemudia

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election, the Esan Descendants Assembly (EDA) has called for unity and peaceful participation among the citizens of Edo State. The EDA, serving as the umbrella organization for Esan people worldwide, expressed profound gratitude to the people of Edo North and Edo South for graciously ceding party tickets to the Edo Central District, an unprecedented gesture in the state’s political history. During a press conference held in Ekpoma, EDA leaders hailed this act as a monumental stride towards equity, fairness, and inclusiveness within the state’s political landscape.

Prof G.R.A. Okogun, President of the EDA, emphasized the importance of this unity in fostering a sense of belonging and collective progress among all Edo people. “This magnanimous act will not only be remembered but also cherished by the Esan people as a testament to our shared pursuit of an equitable society,” he stated. The EDA underscored that this election presents a rare opportunity to further strengthen the bonds between the districts, urging all eligible voters to exercise their civic duty by casting their votes for the candidate of their choice in a peaceful manner.

Dr. Alex Orukpe, Secretary to the EDA, addressed questions regarding the assembly’s stance on the gubernatorial candidates. He clarified that the EDA refrained from endorsing either of the two major candidates, Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC) and Dr. Asue Ighodalo (PDP), as a demonstration of their commitment to fairness and allowing the people to make their own choice. “We believe in unity and discretion among our people, and it is not our place to influence or dictate their decisions. Our role is to advocate for a fair and peaceful process,” Orukpe stated. He also called on Edo North and Edo South to continue their commendable efforts by supporting this spirit of equity and inclusiveness through their conduct in the election.

Orukpe further emphasized the importance of adhering to legal channels for addressing grievances, urging political actors and supporters to eschew violence and instead use established democratic processes to seek redress. “We have institutions in place for resolving disputes and grievances. We must trust and use these institutions to maintain the peace and stability of our state,” he noted. His call for unity and adherence to due process resonated with the audience, setting a tone of hope and determination to conduct a peaceful and credible election.

Dr. Francis Igberaese, Liaison Officer for the EDA, responded to inquiries about the organization’s focus on only the PDP and APC candidates while omitting the Labour Party candidate. He stated there were no apologies for this stance, highlighting that the key issue was justice, equity, and fairness. “Edo State politics stands on a tripod: Edo South, Edo North, and Edo Central. It was therefore immoral and distasteful for the Labour Party to refuse to align with the gracious stance of the apparent consensus of these regions,” Igberaese explained. He emphasized that the Labour Party’s decision not to align with this consensus went against the spirit of inclusiveness and fairness that the EDA and the people of Edo State are striving for.

The press conference concluded with a powerful message to gubernatorial candidates from outside the two major parties, urging them to consider the current Edo consensus that equitably favors Edo Central and to do the right thing by stepping down, thus ensuring a less acrimonious and less expensive contest. This call for unity, peace, and fairness sets a hopeful tone for what the EDA envisions as a historic and positive electoral process for Edo State.

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