By Simeon OSAJIE
The Egor and Igueben Field Offices of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), in collaboration with the Egor and Igueben Local Government Councils, on Thursday, 14th and Friday, 15th May, 2026 respectively, organised Town Hall Stakeholders’ Meetings on Civic and Voter Education at the Council Secretariats of Egor and Igueben Local Government Areas of the state.
The programmes attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including local government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, political party representatives, youth and women groups, persons with disabilities, community leaders, media practitioners, and members of the public.
The Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, was ably represented at both events by Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah, who also served as the Resource Person and Facilitator. He delivered a lecture titled: “Strengthening Democratic Participation at the Grassroots: The Role of Citizens in Local Government Elections.”
Also in attendance at both programmes were EDSIEC Commissioners, Hon. Osarodion Hope Imafidon and Hon. Anthony Aikpoghome.
At the Egor meeting, the Acting Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Osa Eribo, the Vice Chairman, members of the Executive Council, the Electoral Officer for Egor Local Government Area, Mr. Imonikhe Abu, as well as the Leader and Councillors of the Legislative Arm of the Council, were present.
Similarly, at the Igueben meeting, the Executive Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council, Hon. Henshaw Elimihe, members of the Executive Council, the Electoral Officer for Igueben Local Government Area, Mr. Andrew Otakhor, as well as the Leader and Councillors of the Legislative Arm of the Council, participated actively in the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the EDSIEC Chairman emphasised that civic and voter education remain collective responsibilities that require the active collaboration of electoral bodies, government institutions, traditional institutions, religious organisations, community leaders, civil society groups, the media, youth and women groups, and other critical stakeholders.
The Chairman further appreciated the support and collaboration of the Egor and Igueben Local Government Councils in facilitating the successful hosting of the town hall meetings, describing their commitment to grassroots democratic engagement and voter sensitisation as highly commendable.
In his presentation, Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah noted that democracy can only thrive where citizens actively participate in governance and electoral processes. He stressed that the future of grassroots development in Egor and Igueben Local Government Areas largely depends on the willingness of citizens to engage responsibly in local government elections.
According to him, “Every vote matters. Every citizen matters. Every community matters.”
He further called on all stakeholders, as Edo State prepares for the 11th July 2026 Local Government Elections, to work collectively towards promoting peaceful, credible, inclusive, and participatory elections.
Citizens were encouraged to reject voter apathy, electoral violence, vote-buying, hate speech, and misinformation, while embracing civic responsibility, peaceful participation, accountability, and democratic values.
The programmes formed part of EDSIEC’s ongoing commitment to deepening democracy through sustained voter education and stakeholder engagement across Edo State.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) is recruiting adhoc staff for the 2026 Local Government Council Elections in the state.
For more information, please visit our official Facebook page or Edo State Independent Electoral Commission office on Airport Road, before Ogba Zoo, Benin City.