Edo LG Elections Record Massive Turnout, Peaceful Voting as Okpebholo Commends Electorate

Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared the ongoing Edo State local government election peaceful and successful, describing the voter turnout across the state as impressive, while accredited election observers praised the orderly conduct of the exercise.

The governor spoke shortly after casting his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, in Esan Central Local Government Area, where electoral officials and security personnel were already on ground before voting commenced.

Okpebholo arrived at his polling unit at about 10:24 a.m., joined other voters in the queue and cast his ballot at exactly 10:40 a.m. He later interacted with stakeholders and journalists, expressing satisfaction with reports received from across the state.

According to the governor, feedback from various local government areas indicated that the election was progressing peacefully without major disruptions.

“This election is very peaceful and it is going smoothly based on the feedback we are getting from the field,” he said.

He described the turnout as a strong endorsement of grassroots democracy, noting that Edo people had demonstrated their commitment to electing leaders who would manage the affairs of their local councils.

“The turnout is very high. This is a demonstration of grassroots democracy. It shows that our people are interested in choosing those who will administer the affairs of their local governments. By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election,” the governor stated.

Okpebholo urged residents to sustain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the exercise and await the official declaration of results by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

Accredited election observers also gave the poll a positive assessment, saying reports from across the state showed that voting had remained peaceful and orderly.

Executive Director of the Initiative for Awareness of Civic Education for Citizens, Comrade Fidelis Nwoke, said observer groups deployed to monitor the election had not recorded any major security breach as voting progressed.

Nwoke disclosed that his organisation and other accredited observer groups monitored polling units in Udomi, Igueben and several other locations, describing the process as smooth and transparent.

“My organisation and several other observer groups have been fully accredited to monitor the Edo State local government election. Reports coming in from different parts of the state indicate that the process has been peaceful so far,” he said.

“We have monitored Udomi, Igueben and other locations. We have observed that the exercise has been peaceful, orderly and smooth. Electoral officials arrived, voters have been able to cast their ballots and, at the end of the exercise, winners and losers will naturally emerge.”

Journalists covering the election observed visible security presence at polling centres, while voters queued patiently to exercise their civic rights.

At Udomi Primary School, where the governor voted, residents commended the organisation of the poll, describing the voting process as transparent and hitch-free.

Three voters—Christopher Ejodamen, Timothy Uwaya and Lucky Okoawo—said they cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment, adding that the peaceful environment encouraged wider participation.

The voters also expressed confidence in the administration of Governor Okpebholo, attributing the high turnout to ongoing infrastructure projects and developmental initiatives across Edo State.

Saturday’s election is being conducted across the 18 local government areas of Edo State to elect chairmen and councillors under the supervision of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, with accredited observers, journalists and security agencies monitoring the process.

As voting continued across the state, observers expressed optimism that the peaceful atmosphere witnessed during the early stages of the exercise would be sustained through the conclusion of voting and the eventual announcement of results.