Edo LG poll: APC chieftains hail Okpebholo, others over victory

BENIN CITY – Chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State have welcomed Saturday’s local government election victory of the party as reactions trail the poll conducted by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

The acting chairman of Oredo Local Government Council and chairmanship candidate of the APC in the July 11, 2026, election, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, who spoke shortly after receiving his certificate of return, on Saturday, thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for creating an atmosphere that ensured a peaceful and credible election.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Oredo for their overwhelming support and pledged to accelerate development across the local government in line with the Governor’s SHINE Agenda.

A former military top brass, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd), reacting to the poll’s outcome, attributed the victory to Iduseri’s performance during his nine months as Acting Chairman.

Dr. Paddy Iyamu, APC stalwart, described the election as peaceful, transparent and credible, while Hon. Richard Edosa said the impressive voter turnout reflected the confidence of the people in the APC.

Also speaking, Hon. Martin Oli Anayochukwu said the outcome demonstrated the growing acceptance of the APC in Edo State and reaffirmed confidence in the party’s continued electoral strength.

Other party leaders, including Hon. Osamuede Edebiri and APC faithful, congratulated the chairman-elect and expressed optimism that his administration would consolidate on ongoing developmental efforts in Oredo Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on Saturday thanked electorate in Ovia South West Local Government Area for their peaceful conduct and for turning up in large numbers to cast their votes during the local government election.

Speaking after he cast his vote at Iguobazuwa West Ward, Unit 3, at Edo National College Iguobazuwa voting centre, (comprising of Units 2, 3 and 4,) at exactly 10:24 am, the deputy governor praised the large turrn-out of voters.

Idahosa said: “We have been getting a lot of reports across the local government, and everything has been peaceful. There is no record of any violence across the local government. We pray it remains the same across the state.”

At Udo Ward 5, Unit 23, eligible voters were seen filing behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship candidate, Mr. Anthony as he cast his vote at 10:58 am.

Anthony Osarobo when interviewed stated that he was impressed and confident of victory based on the support base of eligible voters who came out to cast votes for the APC in his Unit.

Voters were also spotted walking into voting centres at Ezoti Primary School Udo and Udo Primary School at 10:52 and at 10:53 am to vote.

Voters interviewed expressed satisfaction with the voting process. They unanimously asserted that the election was free, fair and devoid of rancour. Checks at Units visited showed that election materials were fully deployed, and Adhoc staff of Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) were on ground attending to and guiding voters with the accreditation and voting process at centres visited.

At Iguobazuwa West Ward, a voter, Beauty Uwagboi said the voting was, “Free and fair, the election went calmly, the people came out enmasse, the whole place is full.”

The APC Local Government Woman Leader, Mrs. Adesuwa Ajari who spoke at the Edo National College Iguobazuwa voting centre at Unit 4, said the election was very peaceful. She said, “People came out enmasse to vote for their choice candidate. The process was very peaceful and free of rancour.”

The Presiding Officer (PO) at Iguobazuwa West Ward, Unit 4, Mr. Olaniyi David, said voting materials arrived as early as 8am. He said there was no issue whatsoever at his Unit.

The APC Ward Chairman, Udo Ward 5, Mr. Elvis Idahosa said the turnout of voters at Unit 23 was much. He said he expected same feat to be replicated in almost all of the 26 units. “Our turnout is very ok here. Everybody is happy to have a chairmanship candidate here. All of us are queuing behind him to do the needful,” he assured.

Edamwen Supreme, a voter at Udo Ward 5 unit 23, said the process was free and fair and everyone was very happy.
“We are waiting for the outcome of the election. Election materials came as early as 8am,” he stated.