The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has announced that 12 political parties have successfully completed the nomination process ahead of the much-anticipated local government elections scheduled for July 11.
The commission also confirmed the publication of the final list of candidates for the polls across the state’s 18 local government areas. EDSIEC Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Wednesday.
The qualified parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Young Progressive Party (YPP), New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Action Congress (AAC), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA).
Aifuobhokhan assured that the commission is fully prepared for the exercise, revealing that logistical and operational arrangements are about 80 percent complete. “We are fully on track. Everything is about 80 per cent in place. There is nothing we need that we don’t have in place,” he stated confidently.
The commission has been actively engaging stakeholders through grassroots town hall meetings, sensitization programmes, and training sessions for both ad-hoc and permanent staff. Approximately 10,000 ad-hoc personnel are expected to participate in conducting the elections.
Addressing concerns raised by the African Democratic Party regarding notification of the election, the chairman dismissed the claims as unfounded. He clarified that EDSIEC issued official notice on July 16, 2025, followed by widespread media publications and stakeholder engagements. “They cannot claim ignorance unless they don’t live in the state,” he added, noting that the window for primaries and candidate substitution had long closed, with campaigns commencing on April 24.
On security, Aifuobhokhan confirmed close collaboration with security agencies and the state government to ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and materials. While acknowledging that absolute security cannot be guaranteed, he revealed assurances from the Commissioner of Police for adequate protection before, during, and after the polls. “Ultimate security belongs to God,” he remarked, adding that the state government is strengthening security structures across all areas.
The EDSIEC boss urged all political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and maintain peace throughout the electioneering period. He also confirmed that arrangements for media accreditation and the deployment of observers and monitors are complete, encouraging interested parties to reach out to the commission’s media unit.
Aifuobhokhan reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to delivering free, fair, peaceful, and credible local government elections that reflect the will of the people of Edo State.
The polls are expected to be a significant test of democratic processes at the grassroots level, with residents anticipating improved local governance outcomes following the exercise.
