Edo 2024: Opinion Poll Tips Umakhihe To Emerge

By Editor

February 15, 2024

Despite the hurdles placed on his path and the array of guber candidates seeking to contest the APC guber primary, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe appears to be on the way to glory if the results of a recently conducted opinion poll are anything to go by.

According to the results of the poll conducted by a reputable Research Organization (*GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE*), based in Edo State, the Owan-born Technocrat who joined the APC guber race immediately after retiring from the federal civil service where he rose to the enviable position of Permanent Secretary (PS), is the favourite of APC members and delegates ahead of the parties guber primary scheduled for Saturday, February 17.

The poll which covered the 18 local government areas of the state, carved into three senatorial districts for political convenience, was essentially meant to guage the feelings and the dispositions of Edo APC members towards the array of guber aspirants that are jostling for the party's sole ticket.

The winner of the primary is expected to fly the APC's flag in the September governorship election.

Some of the factors identified by the respondents for the choice of Dr Umakhihe includes his rich pedigree, records of performance while in office, competence displayed through execution of people oriented projects, amongst others.

Most of the respondents noted that the Sept 11, 2024 electioneering would dwell more on issues, in contrast to the usual play on words and emotions by aspirants and campaigners.

They emphasized that Ernest Umakhihe's records in service has indicated that it is not rocket science to deliver quality service to the people but passion, character and willingness and suggested that his name on the ballot would be a plus to the APC during the electioneering campaigns as he has projects littered across the length and breath of the state that could be pointed at.

Interestingly, the results of the poll show that Umakhihe enjoys across-the-board support in the three senatorial districts of Edo State.

For instance, in his homestead, the Edo North, the poll suggests he is well-loved by the APC members and goes ahead to describe him as the rave of  "the moment". 

Although regarded as a new-breed politician, having dived straight into the murky waters of Edo politics after a stellar performance in the federal civil service where he retired as a Federal Permanent Secretary, the story of the meteoric rise of Umakhihe is one full of surprises.

Even the old brigades of the game have watched in utter awe how his political profile kept shooting higher and higher.

Unless there is a serious pushback from the old brigades and a sort of contrived conspiracy, Umakhihe is primed to emerge as the APC's flag bearer for the September election.

The poll also pointed out that apart from his ability to reach out, his alluring personality, and notable charitable activities visible all over the state, Umakhihe campaigned vigorously and ended up as the only aspirant who toured round the 18 local government areas as well as the three senatorial districts of the state which afforded him the unique chance to make giant strides into the heart and soul of the people.