The Edo LG election concluded with the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing all 18 local government chairmanship positions and the 192 councillorship seats contested across the state. The results were officially announced on Sunday by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
Addressing journalists in Benin, EDSIEC Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, said the commission successfully conducted the election across the state’s 18 local government areas and 192 wards. According to him, accreditation, voting, sorting, counting, collation and declaration of results were carried out in line with the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law 2022, as amended in 2026, alongside other applicable electoral regulations.
Following the collation of results, returning officers at both ward and local government levels announced the official outcomes in their respective jurisdictions. Based on those declarations, the commission confirmed that the APC won every chairmanship and councillorship seat contested during the Edo LG election.
Aifuobhokhan expressed satisfaction with the performance of returning officers, stating that they discharged their duties professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law. He noted that while a few polling areas experienced minor operational challenges, they did not substantially affect either the credibility or outcome of the election. According to him, the commission remains committed to improving future elections through continuous stakeholder engagement and regular reviews of its processes.
The EDSIEC chairman praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing what he described as an enabling environment that allowed the commission to carry out its constitutional responsibilities. He also commended political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, community leaders and voters for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
Security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, alongside election observers, members of the media and EDSIEC personnel, including electoral officers, ICT staff, presiding officers, returning officers and logistics teams, were also acknowledged for their contributions to the successful conduct of the poll.
Aifuobhokhan disclosed that certificates of return would be presented to the newly elected chairmen and councillors on Monday. Responding to questions about delays reported in some locations, he explained that the issues were largely routine human errors, including difficulties experienced by some voters while locating their names on the register. He apologised for any inconvenience caused, stressing that the incidents did not compromise the integrity of the election.
The commission also encouraged candidates or political parties dissatisfied with any aspect of the electoral process to seek redress through lawful channels provided under Nigeria’s electoral laws. Twelve political parties participated in the election. However, major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), boycotted the poll.
