Which Gubernatorial Candidate In Edo State Is Afraid Of Debate And Public Speaking?

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

As the Edo State gubernatorial race for 2024 heats up, attention is shifting away from campaign promises and towards the candidates’ ability to communicate effectively with the public. In an era when the electorate is becoming more politically aware and demanding, the value of public speaking and debate cannot be underestimated. These platforms provide voters with direct access to each candidate’s vision, policies, and ability to lead. However, a troubling trend has emerged in this election cycle: certain candidates’ unwillingness to participate in debates and public speaking events, raising serious concerns about their suitability for the position of governor.

Public speaking is more than just a tool for conveying campaign rhetoric; it is an essential component of leadership. A candidate’s ability to articulate ideas, respond to challenges, and connect with diverse audiences is an important indicator of their suitability for office. In Edo State, where political dynamics are complex and the stakes are high, the electorate expects leaders to be clear, confident, and competent.

The unwillingness of some gubernatorial candidates to participate in debates is therefore concerning. These forums are intended to give voters a clear picture of who the candidates are, what they stand for, and how they intend to govern. Avoiding these opportunities may indicate a lack of preparation, a lack of communication skills, or, worse, an unwillingness to expose one’s ideas to public scrutiny.

Senator Monday Okpebholo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, has emerged as a focal point of the debate. Okpebholo’s conspicuous absence from public debates and general reluctance to participate in public speaking events have not gone unnoticed. Okpebholo’s absence from a debate organised by the Unuedo Renaissance, one of the most important social-cultural Edo diaspora groups, between PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo and Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata, has become a hot topic among political analysts and the general public.

The ability to debate effectively is about more than just winning arguments; it is about demonstrating the qualities that define a leader: decisiveness, intellectual rigour, and the ability to instill confidence. When a candidate passes up these opportunities, it raises legitimate questions about their ability to lead under pressure. For voters in Edo State, this avoidance could be a red flag, indicating that a candidate lacks the qualities required to navigate the complex challenges of governance.

Furthermore, in a democratic setting, debates are an essential component of the electoral process. They enable voters to compare candidates side by side, evaluating their policies, vision, and ability to respond to real-world challenges. By declining to participate, a candidate denies the electorate the opportunity to make an informed decision. This not only undermines the democratic process, but it also demonstrates a troubling lack of respect for voters, who deserve to hear directly from those seeking to govern them.

The implications of this reluctance go beyond the individual candidate. It reflects on the overall political culture and the degree of accountability that voters can expect from their leaders. In Edo State, where political engagement is on the rise, voters are unlikely to support a candidate who appears to be avoiding public scrutiny. The ability to communicate openly and confidently with the public is more than just a campaign skill; it is a necessary component of governance.

Furthermore, public speaking and debates are important in establishing trust between a candidate and the electorate. Voters want to know that their leaders are not only competent, but also approachable and transparent. They want to know that their concerns will be heard and addressed, not dismissed. A candidate who avoids these interactions may be perceived as disconnected from the people they seek to govern, further undermining their credibility and appeal.

Candidates who take advantage of these opportunities, on the other hand, demonstrate their leadership potential. They demonstrate that they are not afraid to stand firm on their policies, answer difficult questions, and engage with the public in meaningful ways. This willingness to be open and transparent demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to accountability and good governance.

As the election approaches, the electorate in Edo State must critically evaluate not only what the candidates are saying, but also how they are saying it. A candidate’s approach to public speaking and debate reveals important details about their leadership style and ability to navigate the complexities of governance. Edo State requires a leader who is not only capable of making sound decisions, but also willing to engage with the public and address their concerns directly.

Voters should be concerned about any candidate’s reluctance to participate in debates and public speaking events. It is a possible indication of how they will govern, avoiding difficult situations, avoiding public scrutiny, and failing to communicate effectively with the people. For a state as diverse and dynamic as Edo, these are not encouraging characteristics.

In the end, the voters of Edo State must decide whether they want a leader who avoids the spotlight or one who embraces it, confident in their ability to lead and communicate effectively. The answer to this question will shape Edo State’s future, determining not only the outcome of this election but also the trajectory of the state’s governance in the coming years.

In this election, more than ever, the electorate’s decision will be influenced by the candidates’ personalities as well as their policies. Those who are willing to stand in front of the crowd, defend their ideas, and engage in open debate are more likely to gain the trust and confidence of voters. Edo State deserves a governor who is not only ready to lead, but also willing to speak directly to the people he or she seeks to serve.