Edo State Announces Date For Local Government Election

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has scheduled Saturday, July 11, 2026, for the election into the offices of the Chairmen and Councillors for the 18 Local Government Councils in the State.

Naija News reports Commission’smission’s chairman, Jonathan Aifuobakhan, made the announcement on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during a press briefing at the EDSIEC’s headquarters in Benin City.

Aifuobhokhan stated that the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission is empowered to issue the notice of election in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Edo State Local Government Electoral Law 2012 and Edo State Independent Electoral Commission Establishment (Re-enacted) (Amendment 1) Law 2022.

According to him, Section 103(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022 empoCommissionommission to appoint a date for Local Government election not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office.

While Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that the notice must be given not later than 360 days before the election.

He added, “That all the registered Political Parties are required to collect nomination forms on behalf of their candidates at the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Headquarters, located at Plot 116, Oko-Ogba Airport Road, Benin City.”

Meanwhile, the government of Edo State has asserted that, under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, the state is fast becoming the South-South engine room of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a press release obtained by Naija News on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, said the successful hosting of over 20 All Progressives Governors Forum in Benin City over the weekend was more than a show of logistics and hospitality.

According to him, the meeting was an emphatic declaration that Edo is no longer a peripheral player in national politics under Okpebholo’s rising profile.

Itua stressed that by all political measures, the events of the All Progressive Governors Forum’s (PGF) first regional meeting in Edo were more than just a meeting of party leaders; they were a potent fusion of political symbolism, astute leadership, and growing influence.

He noted that Okpebholo has created a new narrative for Edo and put himself squarely on the national agenda in advance of 2027 following the All Progressives Governors Forum meeting.

According to him, Edo State was chosen strategically by the PGF, a powerful caucus that frequently determines the internal rhythm of the APC.

It was a brilliant move on the part of Governor Okpebholo, he said.

Itua boasts that Edo is back at the centre, with Governor Okpebholo operating the machinery, as demonstrated by the coordinated turnout, security optics, and messaging.