The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 18 chairmanship seats in Saturday’s Edo State local government elections, tightening its political hold on the state after a largely peaceful exercise marked by low voter turnout in many areas.
The poll, conducted by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), was held across the state’s 18 local government areas and 192 wards to elect chairmen and councillors. Security personnel were deployed to polling units across the state, while electoral officials arrived early at many voting centres.
Although voting proceeded peacefully, turnout was generally low, with many polling units recording only a handful of voters throughout the day.
Governor Monday Okpebholo cast his ballot at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School in Udomi, Esan Central Local Government Area, where he commended residents for their peaceful conduct and expressed satisfaction with the exercise.
“The exercise has been peaceful, and the turnout of voters across the state is impressive. It shows that our people are committed to strengthening democracy at the grassroots,” the governor said.
He also praised EDSIEC, security agencies and election officials for ensuring a smooth electoral process.
At the conclusion of collation, EDSIEC declared APC candidates winners of all 18 chairmanship positions, giving the ruling party control of every local government council in the state.
The outcome further strengthens the APC’s dominance in Edo politics, coming months after the party secured victory in the state’s governorship election.
In Etsako East Local Government Area, the APC councillorship candidate for Ward 9, Hon. Engr. Usman Igbasekhe, commended residents of Itsukwi for conducting themselves peacefully during the election.
Speaking after voting at his polling unit, Igbasekhe thanked the electorate for participating peacefully and urged them to remain law-abiding throughout the process.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Development, Hon. Roland Igbadumhe, attributed the party’s victory in Itsukwi to what he described as strong grassroots support.
“The turnout and the fact that APC won show the level of political awareness and the acceptance of the party here. By the grace of God, the governor and the incoming chairman will not ignore this love and massive votes. Na God get power,” he said.
Observers, however, reported lower-than-expected voter participation in several parts of the state despite the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the exercise.
Security agencies maintained a visible presence across Edo, while the restriction of movement imposed during the election helped ensure orderly voting and collation, with no major incidents of violence or disruption reported.
With the declaration of the results, the APC is set to take full control of all 18 local government councils, extending its influence at the grassroots ahead of the inauguration of the newly elected chairmen and councillor