As Edo State prepares for the July 11, 2026 local government elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) enters the contest with confidence, a statewide campaign structure, and a message centred on grassroots development, youth inclusion and improved security.
The stage for the election was set when the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) released the official Notice of Election, outlining the timetable and guidelines for the exercise and reaffirming its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible poll.
In compliance with the electoral guidelines, the APC successfully conducted its primary elections across the 18 local government areas, producing chairmanship, vice chairmanship and councillorship candidates. Significantly, many of the party’s flag bearers are vibrant young men and women, reflecting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to empowering a new generation of leaders at the grassroots.
Following the conclusion of the primaries, the party embarked on an extensive campaign across Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, mobilising party faithful and residents ahead of the election.
The campaign commenced in Edo South at the historic Urhokpota Hall in Oredo Local Government Area, where thousands of party leaders, members, candidates and supporters gathered to demonstrate unity and readiness for the election.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Okpebholo said the APC deliberately chose competent and energetic young people to lead local government administration because the future of governance belongs to the youth.
According to him, local government remains the closest tier of government to the people and must therefore be led by individuals who possess the energy, vision and commitment to deliver meaningful development.
The governor charged the candidates to see public office as an opportunity for selfless service, urging them to prioritise rural development, improve essential services and remain accountable to the people.
While speaking on national security, Governor Okpebholo condemned the growing menace of kidnapping across the country and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped victims, including school children and teachers abducted in different parts of Nigeria.
He urged criminal elements not to undermine the progress of the country, insisting that insecurity should never be used as a tool to destabilise the nation or distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from delivering on his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The campaign later moved to Edo Central Senatorial District at the Uromi Township Hall, where Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s uncompromising stance against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He maintained that his government would continue to pursue every legal measure available to ensure Edo State becomes increasingly hostile to criminal elements, while strengthening collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
The governor appealed to residents to sustain their support for the APC, stressing that security remains a prerequisite for sustainable development and economic growth.
In Edo North Senatorial District, the campaign reached its peak at the Public Field in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, where APC leaders once again rallied support for the party’s candidates.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, endorsed the governor’s tough stance against insecurity, emphasising that stronger legal and institutional measures are necessary to deter kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Oshiomhole also renewed his advocacy for the establishment of state police, arguing that closer collaboration between federal and state security agencies would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat insecurity.
Throughout the campaign, Governor Okpebholo consistently assured Edo people that APC candidates would replicate his administration’s development agenda at the grassroots by ensuring improved infrastructure, better service delivery and responsible management of local government resources.
The governor’s confidence is anchored on tangible steps already taken to strengthen local government administration.
On February 23, 2026, in one of the boldest investments in grassroots governance in recent years, Governor Okpebholo officially handed over 54 heavy-duty construction equipment—including bulldozers, excavators, graders and rollers—to the 18 local government councils.
The equipment, according to the governor, was procured to enable councils undertake rural road construction, drainage projects, environmental sanitation and other community-based infrastructure without unnecessary dependence on the state government.
Describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of his SHINE Agenda, Governor Okpebholo stressed that development must extend beyond Benin City to every village, community and ward across Edo State.
He reminded council authorities that the equipment was provided for service delivery and not for ceremonial display or storage.
Beyond infrastructure support, the governor has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to local government autonomy, maintaining that his administration does not interfere with statutory allocations due to local governments, thereby allowing elected councils the financial independence required to execute projects that directly benefit their people.
This approach reflects a governance philosophy built on collaboration rather than control, with the state government providing strategic support while allowing local councils to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
As Edo voters prepare to elect new grassroots leaders on July 11, the APC believes its campaign message of youth empowerment, improved security, infrastructure development and respect for local government autonomy provides a compelling basis for electoral victory.
For Governor Monday Okpebholo, the election represents more than a political contest. It is an opportunity to deepen grassroots governance, consolidate the gains of his SHINE Agenda and ensure that development reaches every community across Edo State through capable and responsive local government leadership.
