Eben Enasco Reporting.
Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, has promised a credible and fair conduct of the 2026 Local Government Area elections.
The commission’s chairman, Hon Jonathan Aifuobhokhan made the pledge, at a stakeholders meeting in Benin City on Wednesday, where he assured political parties of a level playing field ahead of the July 11, Council Elections.
Aifuobhokhan said EDSIEC is committed to ensuring a transparent and unbiased electoral process, guaranteeing the credibility of the outcome.
He emphasized the importance of open dialogue, constructive engagement as well as the strengthening of collective resolve to deliver and attain acceptable standards that will reflect the true voting pattern of the electorates.
He urged various political groups and their standard bearers to embark on issue based campaigns, respect the rule of law and avoid all forms of violence occasioned by misinformation that could undermine the stability of the locals.
Speaking on behalf of the Key Stakeholders including various security agencies, in the state, the Commissioner of Police Edo State, Monday Agbonika, hailed the early preparation towards a smooth conduct of the election
While assuring hitch free conduct of the electoral process, he enjoined the youths to avoid being used for electoral manipulations highlighting the consequences when caught.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Committee IPAC, Edo State, Bishop Akhalamhe praised the efforts of the Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan for coming up with a blueprint for the 2026 LAGs election.
He, challenged EDSIEC chairman, to maintain credibility in the Conduct of the election, adding; ” What matters is not the conduct of the election, but the credibility.
Though promised the IPACs’ commitments and willingness to conduct the Edo LGAs election, he spotted holes in the date set for the conduct of the election, citing the observing of Easter celebration by the christians as his reasons for the call to have a new date.
Recall that EDSIEC scheduled in its time table available to the public on Wednesday April 3, and Monday April 6-10, 2026, for both conduct of Primaries including resolution of disputes, and collection of Nomination Forms A, A1 & M by political Parties.
Responding to the call by IPAC for a new date, the EDSIEC chairman, said it is almost impossible to fix a new date, urging the political parties to stick with the time table.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhen appealed for early providence of electoral materials for media operatives to avoid distrust by security operatives while carrying out their fundamental duties.
He recounted an incident where security operatives took advantage of journalists taking photos with his camera during the last election, destroying gadgets in the process.
Alenkhe said, the operatives, likely uncomfortable with the journalists’ positioning, acted overzealously, calling on the Commissioner of Police to act on safety of Journalists in the state.
For the Traditional Rulers Present Including the Oba Of Benin, HRM, Ewuare II, represented by Chief Osaigbovo, the Akenuwa of Benin and the Edo Central Monarch, represented by Chief Chris Igene, the Enakhe of Irua spoke in unison against electoral manipulations
Conveying the message of the Benin Monarch, the Akenuwa of Benin said the palace stands for peace. He said the politicians must not allow elections to separate the ones of the people, saying, “before election, there was Edo State. And after the election, Edo state remains.it is not a do or die affair,”
The representative of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN, highlighted reasons why churches avoided participation in politics but said an arm of the church has been set up to engage in politics
The President of the Conference of non governmental organizations, CONGOs, Edo State, Comrade Okuodo Bartholomew said it was the first time of such a gathering, adding that their role is not a confrontational one.
He warned against police playing partisanship during elections, citing instances of such involvement by the police.
Twenty one Political Parties attended the stakeholders meeting held at the EDSIEC Headquarters in Benin City including Core Security Agencies, The Police, Military, NSCDC, Immigration, and Road Safety Corpse.