Edo LG Poll Peaceful Across Edo Central as Voters Turn Out En Masse

The local government election held across the Edo Central Senatorial District on Saturday was largely peaceful, with eligible voters turning out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the various polling units.

Officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) arrived at polling centres with election materials as early as 8:00 a.m., while accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously shortly after their arrival.

Security was also beefed up across the district, with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Esan West Local Government Area and Acting Chairman of the council, Hon. Blessing Ebhodaghe, who voted at Illeh Primary School, Ward 10, described the election as peaceful and commended residents for coming out in large numbers to vote.

Ebhodaghe attributed the impressive turnout to the confidence the people have in his candidacy and the performance of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

According to him, the governor’s SHINE Agenda has continued to transform Edo State and inspire public confidence in the APC.

He also expressed optimism that the enthusiasm displayed by voters during the council election underscored the party’s growing acceptance ahead of the 2027 general election.

Similarly, the APC chairmanship candidate for Esan Central Local Government Area, Prince Abdullahi Momodu, described the election as peaceful and orderly.

He said the performance of Governor Okpebholo was working in favour of the APC, urging residents to sustain their support for both the state government and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Momodu expressed confidence that continued support for the APC would translate into greater development for Edo State and Nigeria.

The APC candidate for the House of Representatives for Esan Central, Esan West and Igueben Federal Constituency, Hon. Lucky Eseigbe, also expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters, describing it as a demonstration of the people’s appreciation for Governor Okpebholo’s performance.

Former Vice Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, Hon. Esther Eghaghe, commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election and thanked voters for turning out in large numbers to support the APC.

Former Senator Clifford Ordia, who represented Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2015 and 2023, described the election as free, fair and credible, saying it reflected the true essence of democracy.

Commenting on the relatively low visibility of other political parties at polling units, Ordia attributed the situation to what he described as the growing popularity of the APC under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.

Also speaking, an APC councillorship candidate for Ward 9 in Esan West Local Government Area described the election as peaceful and orderly, expressing confidence that the exercise had further strengthened the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.