The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in all contested positions in the Edo State local government elections held on Saturday, securing every chairmanship seat and councillorship position across the state.
The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) announced the comprehensive results at a news conference on Sunday in Benin City. Chairman of the commission, Mr. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, confirmed that the APC won the chairmanship positions in all 18 local government areas and clinched all 192 councillorship seats.
Aifuobhokhan stated that the election was conducted smoothly across the state, with accreditation, voting, sorting, counting, collation, and result declaration processes carried out in full compliance with the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law 2022 (as amended in 2026) and other relevant guidelines.
“Following the completion of collation at the various ward and local government collation centres, the duly appointed returning officers announced and declared the results in their respective jurisdictions,” he explained.
The chairman expressed satisfaction with the professionalism displayed by the returning officers and other electoral officials, noting that they performed their duties impartially and in line with established procedures. He acknowledged that while minor operational challenges occurred in a few locations, these did not materially impact the overall credibility or outcome of the polls.
“Overall, the election was conducted peacefully across the state,” Aifuobhokhan said. “While there were minor operational challenges in a few locations, these did not substantially affect the overall conduct or outcome of the election.”
He attributed the successful conduct of the exercise to the enabling environment provided by Governor Monday Okpebholo and commended political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, community leaders, youths, women organisations, and the general electorate for their peaceful participation.
The EDSIEC boss also praised the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their role in maintaining law and order throughout the process. He further recognised the contributions of the media, election observers, and the commission’s staff, including electoral officers, returning officers, presiding officers, ICT personnel, and logistics teams.
Aifuobhokhan urged all political actors to put the election behind them and focus on grassroots development. He advised any aggrieved parties to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels provided under Nigerian law.
The chairman congratulated the newly elected chairmen and councillors, reminding them that their victory comes with the responsibility of selfless service, accountability, and inclusive governance at the local level.
In response to questions from journalists, Aifuobhokhan announced that certificates of return would be presented to the elected officials on Monday. He described the few reported delays and minor issues as routine human errors that did not compromise the integrity of the process, apologising to anyone who may have been inconvenienced.
