With the Edo State House of Assembly election drawing near, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has thrown his weight behind the PDP candidate, Osezua Sunday, in a campaign push that party insiders describe as one of the most coordinated in recent years.

The governor's involvement comes as the party works to secure the seat, which it considers important to its legislative strength in the state.

With the current presidential election results and Bola Tinubu to be appointed the 16th president of Nigeria in May, there is a huge fear going around the state that APC is taking over the country. Not wanting all the 24 seats of the House of assembly being occupied by all APC members, the people fear the future of the economy if that happens.

Funding the campaign

Sources within the party say a campaign fund has been set up with contributions from party stalwarts, business leaders and well-wishers. The money is expected to cover logistics, mobilisation, printing of campaign materials, transport for canvassers, and the training and welfare of polling agents. A fundraising dinner was reportedly held in the Governor's house, where supporters pledged funds to the candidate's campaign with a rough figure of ₦6 Million.

Building a media team

To raise awareness, a media and publicity committee has been constituted, bringing together journalists, social media managers, graphic designers and content creators. The team is responsible for:

  • Producing campaign jingles, short videos and posters
  • Running the candidate's social media pages and countering misinformation
  • Arranging radio and television appearances and interviews
  • Documenting rallies and community visits for online and print coverage

The team comprises The Observers Newspaper’s very own in-house team.

Geedot media a small media company who assisted with Governor Obaseki's reelection campaign back in 2019, this was the media company that created the innovative animated short video on how to properly vote during the election, their animated short video, amazing graphic designs, peoples outreach and online presence through The Bell ng facebook channel boosted the media presence of the Governor during his reelection campaign.

Gleam Media limited, is expected to handle radio and television placements, press relations and the coordination of interviews for the candidate. This media company handled community rallies and visits during the Governor's reelection.

There is hope that this team will recreate the same success through their designs, media presence and community outreach as they did in the past.

Taking the message to the people

On the ground, the campaign has followed the familiar pattern of Nigerian electioneering. Ward-to-ward tours, town hall meetings and courtesy visits to traditional rulers, market associations, religious leaders and transport unions have been scheduled across the constituency.

Women's and youth wings of the party have been mobilised for house-to-house canvassing. Party leaders say the goal is to build turnout, not just visibility.

The governor's position

Speaking on his decision to back the candidate, governor Obaseki said:

What's next

With election day approaching, the campaign is expected to intensify with a grand rally and a final round of door-to-door visits. Electoral officials have urged all parties and candidates to keep the campaign peaceful and follow INEC guidelines.