The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Saturday announced the results of the local government elections held across the state. The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in all 18 local government areas, winning every chairmanship and councillorship position.
EDSIEC Declares APC Winner Across All 18 LGAs
Returning officers from each local government area submitted their results to the commission at its headquarters in Benin City. The Chairman of EDSIEC, Mr. Johnson Ojo, declared the APC as the winner in all contests, stating that the elections were peaceful and credible.
According to Ojo, voter turnout was significant, though he did not provide exact figures. He commended the security agencies for maintaining order during the exercise.
Opposition Parties Reject Results
The main opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), have rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities and suppression of their supporters. The PDP state chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, described the election as a charade and called for its cancellation.
“The process was flawed from the beginning. Our agents were not allowed to monitor the collation of results in many wards. This is a mockery of democracy,” Aziegbemi said.
Security and Conduct
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abutu Yaro, confirmed that there were no major security breaches during the election. He noted that some arrests were made for vote buying and intimidation, but the overall atmosphere was calm.
EDSIEC Chairman Ojo assured that the commission followed due process and that the results reflect the will of the people. He urged all parties to seek legal redress if dissatisfied.
Implications for State Politics
The APC's clean sweep consolidates its control over Edo State's local government system, which has been a subject of political contestation. Governor Godwin Obaseki, a member of the PDP, had earlier accused the APC-led state assembly of trying to undermine the local government elections. However, the APC holds the majority in the state legislature and has been pushing for local government autonomy.
Political analysts say the outcome could intensify the rift between Governor Obaseki and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, who is a key APC figure. The local government councils will now be led by APC chairmen, potentially affecting the implementation of state policies at the grassroots.
