EDSIEC Officially Presents Certificates of Return to Newly Elected Edo LG Chairmen

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Monday presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas, officially concluding the 2026 local government elections.

The ceremony, held at the commission’s headquarters in Benin City, formally confirmed the election of the chairmen and vice-chairmen who emerged victorious in Saturday’s council polls.

Presenting the certificates, EDSIEC Chairman Jonathan Aifuobhokhan congratulated all the successful candidates and urged them to see their victory as a call to selfless service.

He said the Certificate of Return was not just an official document but a mandate freely given by the people, stressing that public office should be treated as a sacred trust.

“The Certificate of Return is more than an official document. It is a mandate given to you by the people of your respective local government areas,” Aifuobhokhan said.

He urged the newly elected council chairmen to lead with integrity, humility and fairness, while ensuring that development reaches every community in their local government areas.

According to him, the elected officials should promote peace, unity and inclusiveness by carrying everyone along irrespective of political affiliation, religion or ethnic background.

He also advised them to make prudent use of public resources and focus on projects and programmes that would improve the lives of people at the grassroots.

The EDSIEC chairman commended the Edo State Government, security agencies, political parties, election observers, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media, electoral officials and residents for their contributions to the peaceful conduct of the election.

Speaking on behalf of the newly elected chairmen, the Chairman-elect of Oredo Local Government thanked the commission for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible election.

He assured residents that the newly elected council chairmen would support the development agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration and work to deliver the dividends of democracy across the 18 local government areas.

The chairmen also pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate through responsive leadership and people-oriented governance.

The presentation of the Certificates of Return marks the final stage of the electoral process and clears the way for the newly elected local government chairmen and vice-chairmen to assume office.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a clean sweep in the election, winning all 18 chairmanship seats and 192 councillorship positions across Edo State.