Edo State Local Government Election 2026: Update from All 18 LGAs

Voting is currently ongoing across the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State as residents elect new chairmen and councillors in the 2026 local government election.

Polling units opened in different parts of the state on Saturday morning, with voters arriving to cast their ballots under the watch of security personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful exercise. From Benin City to communities in Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South, the election has so far been conducted in a calm atmosphere.

The election is being organised by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

To support the smooth conduct of the poll, Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered a restriction of movement across the state from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. The directive applies to all residents except accredited election officials, security personnel, election observers, journalists on election duty, emergency responders and other essential service providers.

Security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force, have been enforcing the restriction across the state. Checkpoints have been mounted on major roads, while patrol teams have been deployed to polling centres and other strategic locations. Vehicles without proper authorisation are being turned back, while those accredited for election duties are being allowed to proceed after verification.

The heavy security presence has helped maintain order at polling units, with officers monitoring the exercise and responding promptly wherever their presence is required.

As of the time of filing this report, there have been no confirmed cases of violence, ballot box snatching or any major security incident in any of the 18 Local Government Areas. Voting has continued peacefully in the areas monitored, with residents complying with the movement restriction while exercising their civic responsibility.

Before the election, the Edo State Police Command assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard voters, election officials and electoral materials. The command also warned political parties and their supporters against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process, stressing that anyone found violating the law would be dealt with accordingly.

The 18 Local Government Areas Participating in the Election

The election is taking place in all 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State:

• Akoko-Edo
• Egor
• Esan Central
• Esan North-East
• Esan South-East
• Esan West
• Etsako Central
• Etsako East
• Etsako West
• Igueben
• Ikpoba-Okha
• Oredo
• Orhionmwon
• Ovia North-East
• Ovia South-West
• Owan East
• Owan West
• Uhunmwonde

The election will determine those who will lead the local government councils for the next term. The chairmen and councillors elected today will be responsible for decisions affecting grassroots development, including environmental sanitation, primary healthcare, rural roads, local markets and other community services.

Counting of votes is expected to begin at polling units immediately after voting ends, while results from the various wards and local government areas will be collated by EDSIEC before official declarations are made.

EdoToday is monitoring the election across the state and will continue to provide verified updates on voter turnout, the conduct of the poll and results from all 18 Local Government Areas as they become available.