APC Sweeps Edo Council Polls, Secures All Chairmanship and Councillorship Seats

By Chris Akhabue, Benin City

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners of all chairmanship and councillorship positions in the local government elections conducted across the state on Saturday.

Announcing the results at a press conference in Benin City on Sunday, the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, confirmed that the APC clinched all 18 local government chairmanship seats as well as the 192 councillorship positions contested.

According to Aifuobhokhan, the elections were successfully conducted across the state’s 18 local government areas and 192 wards, with all stages of the process carried out in compliance with the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law 2022, as amended in 2026, and other relevant regulations.

“Following the completion of collation at ward and local government levels, duly appointed returning officers declared the results in their respective jurisdictions,” he said. “Based on these official results, the Commission hereby affirms that the APC has won all chairmanship and councillorship seats in the election.”

The EDSIEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the performance of electoral officials, noting that returning officers discharged their duties professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law.

He further stated that the election was largely peaceful across the state, despite minor operational challenges in a few areas. He emphasized that such issues did not significantly impact the overall conduct or outcome of the exercise.

“While there were minor operational challenges in some locations, these did not substantially affect the credibility of the process,” Aifuobhokhan said, adding that the Commission would continue to refine future electoral exercises through periodic reviews and stakeholder engagement.

Aifuobhokhan commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing an enabling environment for the Commission to carry out its constitutional mandate. He also lauded political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, as well as voters, for their peaceful participation.

The chairman praised the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the election, while also acknowledging the contributions of the media, election observers, and EDSIEC personnel, including electoral officers, presiding officers, ICT staff, and logistics teams.

He urged political stakeholders to prioritise grassroots development and advised any aggrieved parties to seek redress through lawful channels.

“Candidates or political parties with concerns regarding any aspect of the process are encouraged to pursue appropriate legal avenues as provided under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Aifuobhokhan congratulated the elected officials, urging them to view their victory as a mandate for selfless service, accountability, and inclusive governance.

He disclosed that certificates of return would be presented to the elected chairmen and councillors on Monday.

Addressing questions from journalists, the EDSIEC chairman attributed the minor operational challenges recorded during the exercise to routine human errors, including delays in voter identification in some areas.

“We are human; only God is infallible,” he noted. “There may have been delays in some places, such as difficulties in locating names on the voters’ register. We regret any inconvenience caused.”