Duplicate Names Cloud Edo Assembly Candidate List

 

By Atlantic Reports

Two candidates’ names appear under both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the final list for the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election, leaving questions about their nomination status.

Ogbebor Samson Osemudiamen is listed under both parties in Esan North East II, while Usman William Idenobe appears under the same platforms in Etsako East.

The duplication was identified in an analysis of 164 entries on the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin for the state’s 24 assembly constituencies.

INEC’s Public Relations Officer in Edo, Mrs Toyin Buoro, acknowledged that the state office had observed the repeated entries and sought clarification from headquarters.

“Our observation too, but that was what was sent from the headquarters and we have drawn the attention of the appropriate quarters to it, awaiting their reply,” she said.

The explanation for the duplication remains unresolved. The entries could reflect a publication error, a nomination-related issue or another circumstance, but the available account does not establish which.

Neither the repeated names nor the pending clarification establishes wrongdoing by the candidates or political parties.

Women’s Representation Below 10 Per Cent

The published list also reveals a substantial gender imbalance, with 148 entries recorded as male and 16 as female.

That represents 90.24 per cent and 9.76 per cent respectively, or approximately nine male entries for every female entry.

Because two names appear more than once, the 164 entries should not automatically be described as 164 distinct candidates. Any correction could affect the total and the resulting percentages.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has the highest number of female candidates, with four. The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has three, while the Labour Party (LP) has two.

Seven parties have one woman each: the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP) and APM.

The Female Contenders

Maria Edeko, listed as 63, is seeking a second term representing Esan North East II on the APC platform.

Uyigue Efosa, listed as 61, is the PDP candidate for Ovia North East I. Natasha Osawaru, listed as 32, is seeking a second term representing Egor on the NDC platform.

The SDP’s 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 candidates are Bukky Ayetan in Egor, Osarenkhoe Erhunmwunse in Ikpoba-Okha and Patience Edobor in Orhionmwon I.

Although women are contesting across different constituencies and political platforms, their share of the published entries remains below 10 per cent. The figures demonstrate limited representation but do not explain the party nomination decisions or other factors behind it.

For voters, the immediate issue is an accurate final list. INEC headquarters’ response is needed to clarify the affected nominations and establish the correct number of candidates seeking seats in the next Edo assembly.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.