Edo LG Election 2026: Okpebholo Hails Voter Turnout as Polls Remain Peaceful Across Edo

Governor Monday Okpebholo has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing Edo State local government election, describing voter turnout as encouraging and commending residents for participating peacefully in the democratic process.

The governor spoke on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, in Esan Central Local Government Area, where election officials, security personnel and voters were already at the polling unit before his arrival.

Okpebholo arrived at the polling unit at about 10:24 a.m. and joined other voters before casting his ballot at approximately 10:40 a.m. He later addressed journalists, saying reports reaching him from across the state showed that voting was progressing peacefully.

“The election is peaceful and the process has been smooth based on the reports we are receiving from different parts of the state,” the governor said.

He noted that the turnout recorded at polling units reflected the growing interest of residents in grassroots governance.

“The turnout is encouraging. It shows that our people are interested in deciding who leads their local governments. By the end of the day, winners will emerge through the democratic process.”

The governor appealed to voters to remain peaceful throughout the exercise and urged political parties and their supporters to allow the electoral process to continue without disruption.

Election Observers Report Peaceful Process

Accredited election observers also described the exercise as orderly in the areas they monitored.

Executive Director of the Initiative for Awareness of Civic Education for Citizens, Comrade Fidelis Nwoke, said observer groups deployed to different parts of the state had not recorded any major security concerns as voting continued.

According to him, reports received from monitoring teams indicated that polling officials arrived on time in many locations, while voters were able to cast their ballots without disruption.

“We have monitored polling units in Udomi, Igueben and other locations, and the exercise has been peaceful and orderly. Electoral officials are carrying out their responsibilities, voters are participating freely, and we expect the process to continue in the same manner,” Nwoke said.

Security Presence Across Polling Units

Security personnel remained visible at polling centres across the state, enforcing the government’s restriction on movement and maintaining order around voting locations.

As of the time of filing this report, there have been no confirmed incidents of violence or major security breaches in any of the 18 Local Government Areas participating in the election.

Residents at Udomi Primary School also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the poll, describing the process as calm and well organised.

Some voters who spoke with journalists said they were able to cast their ballots without intimidation, adding that the peaceful atmosphere encouraged more people to participate in the election.

Saturday’s poll is being conducted by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to elect chairmen and councillors across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Voting is still ongoing in many parts of the state, while election officials are expected to begin vote counting at polling units after the close of accreditation and voting.

EdoToday will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as results begin to emerge from across Edo State.