The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its final list of candidates for the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election, which has raised concerns due to duplicated names and a substantial gender imbalance. An analysis of the list shows that two candidates, Ogbebor Samson Osemudiamen and Usman William Idenobe, are listed under both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the same constituencies. This has sparked questions about the status of their nominations and whether the entries reflect an error or another circumstance requiring clarification.
The duplication of candidates' names across political parties is a notable feature of the final list, which comprises 164 entries for the 24 assembly constituencies. INEC's Public Relations Officer in Edo, Toyin Buoro, acknowledged the observation and stated that it had been referred to the appropriate authorities at INEC headquarters. The issue has yet to be resolved, and it remains to be seen how it will affect the electoral process. The final list is a key document in the electoral process, as it identifies the candidates cleared to contest the election.
The list also reveals a significant gender imbalance in the race, with 148 male candidates and only 16 female candidates. This means that about nine male candidates are contesting for every female candidate. The figures indicate that women remain significantly underrepresented among those seeking seats in the state legislature, despite years of advocacy for greater female participation in elective politics. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has the most female candidates, with four women on the list.
A breakdown of the 16 female candidates by party shows that the SDP has four women, followed by the Action Democratic Party (ADP) with three, and the Labour Party (LP) with two. Other parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), and APM, each have one female candidate. The female candidates are contesting across different political platforms and constituencies.
Some of the female candidates include Maria Edeko, aged 63, contesting the Esan North East II seat in the state assembly for a second term under the APC. The PDP's female candidate, Uyigue Efosa, aged 61, is contesting in Ovia North East I. Meanwhile, the NDC has Natasha Osawaru, aged 32, contesting the Egor seat for a second term. These women, along with others, are seeking to make their mark in the state legislature.
The SDP's four female candidates are Kemi Akerele in Akoko Edo I, Shirley Negbedion in Esan North East I, Imuetinyan Bright in Egor, and Tracy Ogiemwanye in Ikpoba-Okha. The ADP's three female candidates are Bukky Ayetan in Egor, Osarenkhoe Erhunmwunse in Ikpoba-Okha, and Patience Edobor in Orhionmwon I. Despite their presence, the overall share of female candidates remains below 10 per cent of the total candidates listed.
The 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election will see a total of 164 candidates contesting for seats across the state's 24 assembly constituencies. While some candidates are seeking re-election, others are new entrants. The election is expected to be a closely contested one, with various parties vying for control of the state legislature. The resolution of the duplicated candidate names issue and efforts to increase female participation will be crucial aspects to watch in the lead-up to the election.
Key points
- Duplicated candidate names across parties raise questions about nomination status.
- Significant gender imbalance found, with only 9.76 per cent of candidates being women.
- Female candidates are contesting across different political platforms and constituencies.
