Edo State Governor’s Administration Hit by Wave of Resignations Ahead of 2027 Polls
A wave of resignations has swept through the administration of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, following a directive requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts.
The circular, issued on February 28, 2026, by Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor and made public on March 2, mandates all political appointees, civil servants, and administration officials planning to contest the 2027 general elections to resign immediately. The directive cites compliance with the provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which bars holders of executive positions from retaining office while pursuing elective posts.
Among the first to submit resignation letters are several key figures. Dr. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, tendered his resignation to pursue the Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde Federal Constituency seat currently held by Chief Billy Osawaru, who is reportedly seeking a second term.
Hon. Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of the State Deputy Governor, also resigned. His letter, dated February 27, 2026, explicitly references the Electoral Act 2026 as the basis for his decision. Alile aims to contest the Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal constituency seat, presently occupied by Hon. Omoruyi Murphy Osaro, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Additionally, Dr. Lucky Eseigbe, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, resigned to contest the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency election.
The resignation of Bar. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is notable. He stepped down from his role as Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Party Affairs to compete in the state congress of the APC for the position of Publicity Secretary, scheduled for March 3, 2026.
These departures signal the commencement of a major political realignment within the Edo State government as appointees position themselves for the 2027 electoral cycle. The exodus is expected to continue, fundamentally reshaping the administrative landscape as the state prepares for the next general elections. The strict application of the Electoral Act 2026 underscores a nationwide push to enforce the separation of partisan politics from executive administration during campaign periods.
