by Osato Edokpayi

There is a need for a solid contribution from those responsible for our affairs at the local government level. On Saturday, Edo people deserve only the best – the best candidates and the best election.

The hallmark of a functional democracy is the conduction of credible elections to elect the peoples’ representatives. This weekend, Edo State comes under the microscope of electoral observers again only about a year after a well-acclaimed gubernatorial election. The world has come to expect the best from Edo State, and come Saturday, the authorities and the good people of Edo State cannot afford to cause any disappointments.

I have written in this column that soon after the guber elections last year, the governor rightly promised that local government elections would be conducted soon enough. The world is a witness to the amazing infrastructural revolution going on in parts of the state; but the state government can only do so much. There is a need for a solid contribution from those responsible for our affairs at the local government level. On Saturday, Edo people deserve only the best – the best candidates and the best election.

Thankfully, the media in the state have provided a veritable platform for the candidates and their parties to enunciate their policies and aims to the people. Considering that the local councils have been administered by caretaker committees with little oversight from the state government for the last few years, the incoming chairmen have their work cut out for them. I have been very impressed by the quality of ideas from the major candidates.

I would like to posit that tomorrow’s election goes more than just electing our grassroots leaders. The ACN in Edo State clearly have their eyes set on sweeping all 18 local government areas in the state, even though the PDP seems to pose a formidable opposition. We are witnesses to how the electoral process can be unfairly manipulated at the local level, especially when there is poor voter education. In order to defend their votes and ensure they count, the people must be vigilant, we must also have on-the-spot fact checkers because we simply cannot afford to waste this unique opportunity to consolidate on the achievements of the present state government.

Tomorrow’s election is not just about the provision of ultramodern markets or provision of potable water to local communities, or even bursary for the youths of the local government: it’s about impactful leadership, about innovative leadership. In essence, these elections are about providing true leadership to satisfy the yearnings of Edo people. From Oredo to Orhiomwon, the positions would no doubt be hotly contested for.

The results of tomorrow’s election will go a long way to prove if the ACN stands by its widely acclaimed “one man, one vote” mantra or if it’s all a ruse. Will the PDP demonstrate integrity and participate in a credible election? I certainly hope so. We all are sure to benefit from the dividends of true democracy.

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Osato Edokpayi is an ardent believer in the Nigerian state that serves only the interest of its citizens. He is a keen observer of Edo State politics with he leans towards the Action Congress of Nigeria in Edo State.

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.