After months of rigorous campaigning and meticulous preparations by various stakeholders, the residents of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states are set to cast their votes today to elect new governors. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that out of the 5,409,438 registered voters in the three states, 5,169,692 voters have collected their permanent voter cards.
In Bayelsa State, according to data available on INEC’s website, there are 1,056,862 registered voters. Out of this number, 1,017,613 have collected their PVCs, while 39,249 PVCs remain uncollected. Imo State boasts 2,419,922 registered voters, with 2,318,919 collecting their PVCs, leaving 101,003 PVCs yet to be picked up. In Kogi State, out of 1,932,654 registered voters, 1,833,160 have collected their PVCs, and 99,494 PVCs are still uncollected.
Incumbent governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Hope Uzodimma (Imo) are seeking re-election, while in Kogi State, 18 candidates are vying to succeed incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello.
In Imo State, Governor Uzodimma, running under the All Progressives Congress (APC), faces competition from 17 other candidates. Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party are considered the top contenders. Other candidates include Uchenna Okere of Accord Party, Jack Ogunewe of Action Alliance, Ifeanyi Awulonu of African Action Congress, Otumbadi Okoroma of African Democratic Congress, Steve Nwoga of Action Democratic Party, Anthony Ejiogu of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chibuike Edoziem of Allied Peoples Movement, Obieze Achilike of Action Peoples Party, and Isaac Iwuanyanwu of Boot Party, among others.
Governor Uzodimma has expressed confidence in his victory based on his performance in the last four years. However, contenders like Anyanwu and Achonu argue that the governor has performed poorly in his first term and does not deserve re-election.
In Bayelsa State, Governor Diri, a PDP candidate seeking re-election, faces 15 other contenders, with Timipre Sylva of the APC considered the top contender. Sylva, a former governor of the state and the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari, brings significant experience to the race. Other candidates include Eradiri Udengmobofa of the Labour Party, Oguara Nengimonyo of ADP, Ogege Mercy of APP, Idikio Jones of Accord Party, Bufumoh Alex of AA, Kalango Davies of ADC, Subiri Joseph of APGA, Osharikeni Saturday of APM, and Ben Magbodo of Boot Party, among others.
Candidates in Bayelsa State have positioned themselves against Governor Diri, emphasizing what they describe as his poor performance in the last four years. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with candidates expressing optimism in securing victory.
In Kogi State, the competition is reportedly between APC’s Usman Ododo, PDP’s Dino Melaye, SDP’s Muri Ajaka, and ADC’s Leke Abejide. Other candidates include Adejo Okeme of the Labour Party, Fatima Suleiman of the ZLP, Musa Mubarak of the NNPP, Muhammed Umar of the Boot Party, Onaji Frank of the APP, Isah Dauda of APM, Ilonah Kingsley of APGA, Elukpo Julius of ADP, and Buraimoh Olayinka of Action Alliance.
Despite the electoral fervour, incidents of violence resulting in casualties have been reported in the three states. This has heightened anxiety among residents, leading to assurances from the police and other security agencies regarding the safety of voters during the elections.
As voters exercise their democratic right, the outcomes of these elections will shape the political landscape of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, determining the leadership that will guide these states into the future.
