The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners of all 18 chairmanship seats and 192 councillorship positions in the local government election held across the state on Saturday.
The Chairman of EDSIEC, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, announced the results during a news conference on Sunday in Benin City.
Aifuobhokhan said the election was successfully conducted in the state’s 18 local government areas and 192 wards.
According to him, the accreditation of voters, voting, sorting, counting, collation and declaration of results were carried out in line with the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law 2022, as amended in 2026, and other relevant regulations.
He stated that following the completion of the collation process, returning officers at ward and local government levels declared the results in their respective jurisdictions.
“Based on the official results declared by the returning officers, the commission hereby declares that the All Progressives Congress won the 18 local government chairmanship positions and all the 192 councillorship seats contested in the election,” he said.
The EDSIEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the returning officers, noting that they discharged their responsibilities professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law.
He said the exercise was generally peaceful across the state despite minor operational challenges recorded in a few locations.
“While there were minor operational challenges in a few locations, these did not substantially affect the overall conduct or outcome of the election,” he said.
Aifuobhokhan added that the commission would continue to strengthen future electoral processes through regular reviews and stakeholder engagement.
He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing an enabling environment for the commission to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
The EDSIEC boss also lauded political parties, candidates, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as voters, for their peaceful conduct during the election.
He further praised the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the exercise.
Aifuobhokhan equally acknowledged the contributions of the media, election observers and EDSIEC staff, including electoral officers, returning officers, presiding officers, ICT personnel and logistics teams, towards the successful conduct of the poll.
He urged political actors to work together in the interest of grassroots development and advised aggrieved parties to seek legal means of addressing any concerns arising from the election.
“Candidates or political parties who may have concerns regarding any aspect of the electoral process are encouraged to seek redress through lawful channels provided under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The EDSIEC chairman congratulated the elected chairmen and councillors, urging them to view their victory as a call to selfless service, accountability and inclusive governance.
Speaking on the minor operational challenges recorded during the exercise, Aifuobhokhan described them as routine human errors that did not affect the integrity of the election.
“We are human. It is only God that does things without mistakes.
“There may have been delays in some places, such as people trying to locate their names on the voters’ register. We apologise if anyone was inconvenienced,” he said.
He also disclosed that certificates of return would be presented to the elected chairmen and councillors on Monday.
Twelve political parties participated in the election.
However, major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Democratic Coalition (NDC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), boycotted the poll.