Edo LG Election holds on Saturday amid skepticism over APC dominance

Benin, Edo – As Edo State prepares for its Local Government Council elections on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a free, fair, credible, transparent, peaceful, and inclusive process.

Chairman Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, addressing a press briefing on Thursday, July 9, disclosed that the commission recruited and trained 10,000 ad-hoc staff, produced and packaged all sensitive and non-sensitive materials, and completed logistics for distribution, including to riverine and hard-to-reach areas.

Voting is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with results transmitted manually, and movement restricted from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Aifuobhokhan assured stakeholders that all arrangements align with the Nigerian Constitution, Edo State electoral laws, and international democratic standards.

“Every Local Government Area, every Ward and every Polling Unit is ready,” he stated, emphasizing that the commission has fulfilled its responsibilities.

Despite these assurances, significant skepticism persists among opposition parties and observers.

Critics argue that, notwithstanding EDSIEC’s declarations of conducting elections that reflect the genuine will of the people, the process is likely to favor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Many predict a clean sweep, which is 18 out of 18 chairmanship positions and corresponding vice chairmanships across Edo’s 18 local government areas, with the electoral umpire expected to act in alignment with the political interests of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Opposition voices contend there will be no genuine level playing field for candidates from other political parties, as they point to a pattern observed in several Nigerian states where ruling parties leverage control over state electoral commissions to skew outcomes, a trend they say has undermined public confidence in local polls.

Calls have intensified for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assume responsibility for conducting local government elections nationwide to enhance independence and credibility.

APC leaders, including the deputy governor, have expressed confidence in a strong performance, further fueling perceptions of incumbency advantage.

EDSIEC has not directly responded to these allegations, maintaining focus on its logistical and security preparations in coordination with police and other agencies, even as security has been heightened, with exemptions for election officials, observers, and essential workers during the movement restriction.

Edo State’s local polls come roughly 20 months after Governor Okpebholo’s inauguration following the 2024 gubernatorial election.

With APC controlling the state executive and holding a dominant position in the state assembly, the election represents an opportunity for the party to consolidate grassroots power.

Twelve political parties are participating, but the real contest is widely seen as between APC and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which previously dominated the state.

While EDSIEC projects seamless operations and adherence to democratic principles, the outcome will test claims of impartiality as many Edo residents and analysts will watch closely to see whether the results mirror broad public sentiment or reinforce longstanding criticisms of state-managed local elections.

The commission has urged eligible voters to turn out en masse and exercise their franchise peacefully.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​