…As Chairman Calls on eligible voters to come out on Election Day and exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation
By Simeon OSAJIE
Ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Election slated for 11th July, 2026, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Wednesday, 1st April, holds stakeholders’ meeting at the Commission office along Airport Road, Benin City, the state capital.
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan who noted that elections are the cornerstone of democracy, stated that the success of any electoral process does not rest solely on the shoulders of the electoral body noting that it requires the active participation, cooperation, and trust of all stakeholders, political actors, security agencies, community leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and indeed, the electorate.
Hon. Aifuobhokhan who assured that the Commission remain fully committed to its constitutional mandate, disclosed that EDSIEC is putting in place necessary measures to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
“We are also working assiduously to enhance the capacity of our personnel, improve logistics, and adopt best practices that will guarantee efficiency and integrity throughout the electoral process.”
He therefore urged all the political parties and their candidates to conduct their campaigns with decorum, issue-based messages, and respect for the rule of law and advised that the use of inflammatory language, misinformation, and any form of electoral violence must be firmly rejected.
“To our revered religious leaders and traditional rulers, your influence in promoting peace, tolerance, and unity cannot be overemphasized. We urge you to continue to guide your followers towards peaceful participation and to discourage any acts this could undermine the stability of our communities,” he said.
Going further, the EDSIEC Commissioner appreciated the security agencies, for their continued support and professionalism. “We count on your neutrality, vigilance, and readiness to maintain law and order before, during, and after the elections.
“Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and the media also have a critical role to play. While CSOs serve as watchdogs and advocates for transparency, the media remains a powerful tool for voter education and information dissemination. We urge you to carry out these responsibilities with fairness, accuracy, and a strong sense of national duty.
“To the good people of Edo State, this election is yours. Your participation is your voice. I encourage all eligible voters to come out peacefully on Election Day and exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation.”
Present at the stakeholders meeting include representatives of Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Security Agencies, Media, CSOs, Political Parties including Accord, ZLP, AAC, APM, ADP, AA, PRP, APC, NRM, LP, APP, YPP and PP.