Understanding Voter Perception: Okphebholo Depends on Nothing
By Rita Ebiuwa
The fervent confidence among APC members that their candidate, Monday Okpebholo, will defeat Asue Ighodalo of the PDP is both astonishing and perplexing. Despite glaring deficiencies in Okpebholo’s candidacy, including his lack of active campaigning, absence of a blueprint, and unclear direction, his supporters remain unwavering in their belief that he will be the next governor.
Okpebholo’s campaign is conspicuously inactive. He has not engaged in any meaningful public outreach or organized campaign activities. There is no clear blueprint or strategic plan outlining his approach to governance, and his direction remains ambiguous. Furthermore, he has yet to present a detailed manifesto that would provide insight into his vision and policies for the state of Edo.
To be a credible candidate for governor, one must offer a comprehensive manifesto, a well-developed blueprint, and a clear direction on how they intend to address the needs and challenges of the state. These elements are essential for voters to understand what a candidate promises to deliver and how they plan to implement their policies.
In addition to these shortcomings, Okpebholo appears to lack both competence and the intellectual rigor expected of a gubernatorial candidate. Despite these deficiencies, his supporters are adamant about his imminent success, confidently asserting that he will win the election.
This disconnect raises a crucial question: How can such confidence in Okpebholo’s potential victory persist in the face of his apparent unpreparedness and lack of engagement with the electorate? It is perplexing how a candidate who has not articulated any plans, has not communicated with the public, and shows no signs of the necessary competence for governance can inspire such strong belief in his success.
This is the fundamental question that every concerned resident of Edo is asking, reflecting a deep sense of bewilderment over the apparent gap between Okpebholo’s candidacy and the confidence placed in him by his supporters.
