APC Secures Full Control in Edo State Local Government Elections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully claimed all 18 chairperson positions in the recent local government elections held in Edo State. This victory further solidifies the APC’s political dominance in the state, following a campaign characterized by relative peace but marked by low voter turnout in several areas.
The elections, overseen by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), aimed to fill chairperson and councilor positions across 18 local governments and 192 wards. Security personnel were deployed at polling stations statewide, while election officials prepared early to ensure smooth operations.
Despite the generally peaceful atmosphere, voter turnout was notably low, with many polling locations seeing only a handful of participants throughout the day.
Governor Okpeboro, who voted at Udomi Primary School Ward 2 in Esan Central Local Government Area, praised the community’s peaceful engagement and expressed his satisfaction with the electoral process. He described the election as an essential demonstration of the citizens’ commitment to grassroots democracy.
Okpeboro lauded EDSIEC, security agencies, and election management teams for their roles in facilitating a seamless voting experience. After the official collation, EDSIEC announced that candidates from the APC were victorious in all chairperson positions, granting the ruling party complete control over the local government councils.
This outcome enhances the APC’s influence within Edo’s political landscape, securing further momentum after its recent success in the state governorship election. In Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon. Engineering Usman Igbasehe, the APC Councilor Candidate for Ward 9, expressed gratitude to Itukwi residents for their peaceful conduct during the election.
Additionally, Mr. Roland Igbadumhe, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Development, attributed the party’s success in Itukwi to robust grassroots support. He emphasized that the voter turnout reflected a significant level of political awareness and acceptance of the APC, committing to uphold the goodwill demonstrated by voters.
However, election observers noted that in certain regions, voter participation fell short of expectations, even in the absence of reported violence or disorder. Despite the visible presence of security forces and the implementation of movement restrictions, which facilitated orderly voting and counting, the low turnout remains a concern.
The final declaration of results grants the APC comprehensive control over all 18 local government councils, thereby expanding its grassroots influence as the newly elected chairpersons and councilors prepare to assume their roles.
