…As EDSIEC set to recruit adhoc staff for 2026 LGC Elections
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Oredo Field Office of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Tuesday, 12th May 2026, organised a Town Hall Stakeholders’ Meeting on Civic and Voter Education at Urhokpota Hall, Ring Road, Benin City.
The programme attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, political party representatives, youth and women groups, community leaders, people with disabilities, media practitioners, and members of the public.
The Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan was ably represented at the event by Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah, who also served as the Resource Person and Facilitator for the programme. He delivered a lecture on the topic: “Strengthening Democratic Participation at the Grassroots: The Role of Citizens in Local Government Elections.”
Also in attendance were EDSIEC Commissioners, Hon. Ighomo Thomas, Hon. Osarodion Hope Imafidon, and Hon. Anthony Aikpoghome.
The Executive Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, the Vice Chairman, members of the Executive Council, the Electoral Officer for Oredo Local Government Area, Mr. Ekhosuehi Charles, as well as Councillors from the Legislative Arm of the Council, were also present at the meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the EDSIEC Chairman emphasised that civic and voter education are 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 Oredo Local Government Council in facilitating the successful hosting of the town hall meeting, describing their commitment to grassroots democratic engagement and voter sensitisation as 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 Oredo Local Government Area 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 programme formed part of EDSIEC’s ongoing commitment to deepening democracy through sustained voter education and stakeholder engagement across the 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..