Barely 48 hours after the conduct of by-elections into 59 wards, the Edo State political landscape has been shaken by a dramatic power shift. Acting chairmen across the 18 local government areas have been removed and swiftly replaced by newly elected councillors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports indicate that these acting chairmen had originally emerged as councillors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 2, 2023 elections. They later assumed the role of acting chairmen following the suspension of 18 elected LG chairmen and their deputies by the Edo State House of Assembly in December 2024.
However, political tides changed when 17 out of the 18 acting council members defected from PDP to APC, leaving Oredo Local Government as the lone holdout.
The drama escalated after APC councillors were presented with their Certificates of Return. Insiders allege that the acting chairmen were pressured to resign, clearing the path for the new officeholders to take charge immediately.
Among those said to have tendered their resignation letters are:
- Solomon Oghuma Emmanuel (Etsako East)
- Hon Obosa Jolly (Ikpoba Okha)
- Hon Godsent Agboibo (Esan West)
- Osas Iredia Benjamin (Uhunmwode)
- Alabi Bliss Oshionogue (Akoko-Edo)
- Kelvin Eguakun (Egor)
- Kelvin Iyere (Esan Central)
- Paul Uhomesili (Esan North-East)
- Moses Edoh (Esan South-East)
- Cephas Yakubu (Etsako Central)
Others include Henshew Elimihe (Igueben), Evbu Amen Oboh (Oredo), Holga Daniel Osariemen (Orhionmwon), Omoruyi Igbinake (Ovia North East), Nosa Edobor (Ovia South West), Haruna Mohammed (Owan East), Joy Ohunyon (Owan West), and Okwilague Valentine (Etsako West).
Meanwhile, new replacements have already been announced: Sino Eric Osawaru for Ikpoba Okha and Augustine Imafidon for Uhunmwode.
With these swift changes, political watchers say the APC has tightened its grip on the local government structure in Edo State — raising questions about power play, loyalty, and the future of grassroots governance.
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