A string of resignations has hit the Edo State Government after Governor Monday Okpebholo directed all political appointees and civil servants with plans to contest elective offices to vacate their positions.
The governor’s order required affected officials to resign on or before March 1 in compliance with the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026, which mandates that public office holders must step down before participating in party primaries or election processes.
Commissioners and Aides Declare Ambitions
Among those who have complied is Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, who formally submitted his resignation. Osifo is reportedly preparing to contest the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, currently occupied by Billy Osawaru.
Similarly, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Plus Alile, has relinquished his role as he seeks to run for the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency seat. His resignation signals a transition from executive responsibilities at the state level to legislative aspirations at the national stage.
Board Members Follow Suit
The wave of departures has not been limited to members of the state executive council. Officials serving on state boards and commissions have also stepped aside.
Osaze Igbinovia resigned from the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, while Terry Igiebor vacated his position at the Edo State Audit Commission.
These resignations underscore the broad scope of the governor’s directive, which applies across ministries, agencies and parastatals.
Ensuring Compliance and Neutrality
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has maintained that the directive is not politically targeted but aimed at upholding the provisions of the amended electoral framework. By insisting on early resignations, the government says it seeks to guarantee fairness, prevent conflicts of interest and maintain institutional neutrality as the next electoral cycle approaches.
Political analysts note that enforcing such provisions well ahead of party primaries could help reduce the misuse of state resources for campaign purposes, a concern that has historically trailed Nigeria’s pre-election periods.
With more officials expected to declare their intentions in the coming weeks, further resignations may follow, reshaping the composition of the Edo State executive as preparations for the next round of elections gather momentum.
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