EDSIEC Announces Date to Conduct Local Govt Council Election
By Simeon OSAJIE
Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has released the time table and schedule of activities for 2026 Local Government Council Election.
The chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan flanked by other members of the commission, made this known today 15th July 2025 while briefing the press on the notice of election for the State local government council.
He said in pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 Edo State Local Government Electoral Law 2012 and Edo State Independent Electoral Commission Establishment (Re-enacted) (Amendment 1) Law 2022, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission is empowered to issue notice of election.
The notice of election is as follows, that election into the offices of the Chairmen and Councilors for the 18 Local Government Councils in the State shall be held on Saturday 11th July, 2026.
That all the registered Political Parties are required to collect nomination forms on behalf of their candidates at the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Headquarters, located at Plot 116, Oko-Ogba Airport Road, Benin City.
Other members of the commission during the press briefing as approved by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo are Hon. Asein Ojo Victor, Ighomo Egharevba, Imafidon Hope Osarodion, Umoru Habib Frank, Dr. Suleman Ovuehor Ikhuria, Hon. Anthony Aikpoghome and Aremiyau Aligamhe Momoh.
Timetable and Schedule of Activities for 2026 Local Government Election as announced by EDSIEC are as follows:-
Wednesday, 16th July, 2025: Publication of Notice of Election by EDSIEC: Section 28 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides not later than 360 days before the election.
Tuesday 3rd November, 2025: Meeting with Political Parties for the Election Guidelines
Monday 10th November, 2025: Conduct of Party Primates including resolution of disputes – To enable Political Parties democratically nominate candidates for the election.
Saturday 29th November, 2025: Arising from the primaries and observation of same by EDSIEC – As required by Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Monday 8th – Monday 22nd December, 2025: Collection of Nomination Forms (A, A1, and M) by Political Parties.
Monday 15th December, 2025 – Monday 5th January, 2026 – Submission of Nomination Forms (A, A1, and M) by Political Parties – Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides for not later than 180 days before the election.
Monday 12th January, 2026: Publication of Personal Particulars of Candidates of Political Parties at the Local Government Offices and EDSIEC Headquarters by ESEIEC:- Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides for publication within 7 days of the receipt of the form.
Monday 19th January, 2026: Last day for the withdrawal by candidates(s)/replacement of withdrawn candidate(s) by Political Parties: – Section 33 31 of the Electoral Act 2022 provides not later than 90 days to the election for withdrawal of candidate. (To accommodate 14 days period for the conduct of primaries to replace dead of withdrawn candidates in Section 33)
Friday 30th January, 2026: Last day for submission of nomination forms signed by nominees whose names are on the voters register:- To enable Political Parties comply with Section 30(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Monday 9th February, 2026: Publication by EDSIEC of final list of Political Parties’ nominated candidate:- Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides at least 150 days before the day of the election to publish the final nomination list of candidates.
Wednesday 11th February, 2026: Commencement of campaign by Political Parties in Public:- Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. Campaigning in public by every political parties shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.
Monday 18th May, 2026: Last day for submission of names of Polling Agents for the election to the Electoral Officers (EO) of the Local Government Areas by the Political Parties:- Section 43 of the Electoral Act 2022 provides for not later than 14 days before the election.
Saturday, 27th June, 2026: Publication of Notice of Poll by EDSIEC:- Section 44 of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides for not later than 14 days before the election to public Notice of Poll.
Thursday 9th July, 2026: Last day for campaign by Political Parties:- Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before poling day and end 24 hours prior to that DAY.
Saturday, 11th July, 2026: Date of Election:- Section 103(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022 empowers the Commission to appoint date for Local Government election not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of that office.
Saturday 25th July, 2026: Run off/Re-run Election(s) (if any)
