Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a landslide victory in Saturday's local government election in Edo State, winning all 18 chairmanship positions and the 192 councillorship seats contested across the state's 18 local government areas and 192 wards. The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) announced the results on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at its secretariat in Benin City, confirming the ruling party's complete dominance of the grassroots poll.
EDSIEC Chairman, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, declared the APC candidates winners in all chairmanship contests and all councillorship positions, consolidating the party's grip on local governance in the state. He said the election was conducted in accordance with the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law, the 2022 Electoral Law, and the amended 2026 Electoral Law Guideline, and that the returning officers had carried out their statutory responsibilities professionally, impartially, and in line with the law. While acknowledging minor operational challenges in a few locations, he insisted that they did not substantially affect the overall conduct or outcome of the election. He also commended the electorate, political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their peaceful conduct during the exercise, and congratulated the elected chairmen and councillors, urging them to see their victory as a call to selfless service, accountability, and inclusive governance. He added that certificates of return would be presented to the winners on Monday, and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress through lawful channels.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, reacting to the outcome, described the election as largely peaceful and commended voters, security agencies, and other stakeholders for ensuring a calm and orderly process. The poll brought an end to over 16 months of caretaker administration in the state's local government councils, following the political dispute between the APC-led state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP had, however, boycotted the election after announcing its withdrawal from the exercise a few days before the poll, citing concerns over legality, fairness, and credibility. Despite the boycott, EDSIEC said 12 other political parties participated in the election.
Reacting to the APC's clean sweep, the party's Vice Chairman in Edo State, Hon. Sylvester Aigboboh, described the outcome as a clear indication of the party's popularity and acceptance across the state. He said the victory reflects the confidence Edo people have in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo, declaring that the 2027 elections are already a done deal as far as the APC is concerned. He also expressed appreciation to residents for supporting the ruling party during the election, describing it as a clear demonstration that the people are happy with the ongoing transformation taking place in the state.
The election, however, was marked by low voter turnout, with many youths in Benin metropolis choosing to shun the civic exercise in favour of football matches, saying they had little interest in an election they believed lacked real political competition. Some voters attributed the generally low turnout recorded across many polling units to the decision of major opposition parties to boycott the election. Despite the low turnout, the APC's victory represents a significant consolidation of its political dominance in Edo State, setting the stage for the party's preparations for the 2027 general elections.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments