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Several officials in the Edo State Government have resigned after Governor Monday Okpebholo directed political appointees and civil servants who plan to contest in the elections to leave their positions.
He had earlier ordered all affected Edo officials to resign on or before March 1, in line with the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026.
Washington Osifo, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, has resigned following the governor’s order.
He plans to contest for the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency seat, which is currently held by Billy Osawaru in the House of Representatives.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Plus Alile, has also resigned to run for the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency seat in the coming elections.
Other Edo officials who have formally resigned are:
Dr Lucky Eseigbe, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development; Bar Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, APC State Publicity Secretary and Special Adviser on Political Party Affairs.
Okpebholo gave the order to ensure the amended electoral law is followed. The law says that public officials who want to contest elections must resign before taking part in party primaries or any election process.
The government said the rule is meant to ensure fairness, transparency, and neutrality ahead of the next elections.
In the resignation letters addressed to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Edo State, the Edo state officials said they resigned to comply with the new Electoral Act 2026, which requires people in executive positions, including political appointees, to step down before contesting elections.
The Edo State Government is undergoing a major political realignment and these departures signal its commencement. As the state prepares for the next general election, there will be more changes in the administrative structure of the Edo State Government ahead of 2027.
