APC Wins All Local Government Elections in Edo State

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission has announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all chairmanship elections in the state's 18 local government areas.

The elections took place on Saturday.

Mr Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, the chairman of the commission, shared the results at a news conference on Sunday in Benin.

Aifuobhokhan stated that the APC also secured all 192 councillorship seats up for grabs in the election.

He mentioned that the election was held smoothly across the 18 local government areas and 192 wards in the state.

According to him, the processes of accreditation, voting, sorting, counting, collation, and declaring results were carried out following the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law, 2022, as amended in 2026, along with other relevant rules.

"After the collation process was completed at the various ward and local government centres, the appointed returning officers announced and declared the results in their areas.

"Based on the official results declared by the returning officers, the commission hereby declares that the All Progressives Congress won the 18 local government chairmanship positions and all the 192 councillorship seats contested in the election," he added.

The EDSIEC chairman expressed his satisfaction with how the returning officers conducted themselves, stating they carried out their duties professionally and fairly according to the law.

He noted that the election was peaceful across the state, despite a few minor issues in some spots.

"Overall, the election was conducted peacefully across the state.

"While there were minor operational challenges in a few locations, these did not significantly affect the overall conduct or outcome of the election," he said.

Aifuobhokhan mentioned that the commission would keep improving future elections through regular reviews and engaging stakeholders.

He praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for creating what he called a good environment for the commission to perform its constitutional duties.

The chairman also thanked political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, community leaders, youth groups, women's groups, and voters for their peaceful behavior during the election.

He further acknowledged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for keeping law and order during the exercise.

Aifuobhokhan also recognized the media, election observers, and EDSIEC staff, including electoral officers, returning officers, presiding officers, ICT personnel, and logistics teams, for their part in making the election a success.

He urged political actors to collaborate for grassroots development and advised any aggrieved parties to seek redress through legal means.

"Candidates or political parties who may have concerns about any part of the electoral process are encouraged to seek redress through lawful channels provided under Nigerian laws," he said.

The EDSIEC chairman congratulated the elected chairmen and councillors, urging them to view their victory as a call for selfless service, accountability, and inclusive governance.

When asked by journalists, Aifuobhokhan said that certificates of return would be given to the elected chairmen and councillors on Monday.

Regarding the minor operational issues during the election, he explained that they were mostly common human errors that did not impact the integrity of the process.

"We are human. Only God does things without mistakes.

"There may have been delays in some areas, like people searching for their names on the voters’ register. We apologize for any inconvenience caused," he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that 12 political parties took part in the election.

NAN also notes that major opposition parties, including the PDP, NDC, and ADC, decided not to participate in the poll.