EDSIEC Boss Calls On All Political Candidates To Abide By Rules Of Law











EDSIEC Boss Calls On All Political Candidates To Abide By Rules Of Law 


... Holds Stakeholders' Meeting Ahead of 2026 LG Poll

Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 


The Chairman, Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan has called on all political parties and their candidates to conduct their campaigns with decorum, issue based messages, and respect for the rule of law.

Aifuobhokhan's made the statements at a stakeholders' meeting ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Election slated for 11th July, 2026, the Edo State, where he condemned the use of inflammatory language, misinformation and any form of electoral violence that must be rejected


Speaking to the stakeholders at the event , Hon. Aifuobhokhan said  elections are the cornerstone of democracy, said that the success of any electoral process does not rest solely on the shoulders of the electoral body.  

He posited that It requires the active participation, cooperation, and trust of all stakeholders, political actors, security agencies, community leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and indeed, the electorate. 

Hon. Aifuobhokhan who assured the Commission remain fully committed to its constitutional mandate, disclosed that EDSIEC is putting in place necessary measures to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. 

“We are also working assiduously to enhance the capacity of our personnel, improve logistics, and adopt best practices that will guarantee efficiency and integrity throughout the electoral process.”



“To our revered religious leaders and traditional rulers, your influence in promoting peace, tolerance, and unity cannot be overemphasized. We urge you to continue to guide your followers towards peaceful participation and to discourage any acts this could undermine the stability of our communities,” he said.

The EDSIEC Commissioner added: “To the security agencies, we deeply appreciate your continued support and professionalism. We count on your neutrality, vigilance, and readiness to maintain law and order before, during, and after the elections. 

“Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and the media also have a critical role to play. While CSOs serve as watchdogs and advocates for transparency, the media remains a powerful tool for voter education and information dissemination. 

"We urge you to carry out these responsibilities with fairness, accuracy, and a strong sense of national duty. 

“To the good people of Edo State, this election is yours. Your participation is your voice. I encourage all eligible voters to come out peacefully on Election Day and exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation.”


Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika said their duties is to ensurel there is adequate security for electoral officers, officials and to protect electoral materials.

He said anyone that wants to participate in the election must be accredited and enjoined all stakeholders to abide by the rules of the game, therefore advised the youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs by Politicians.

The representative of the Oba of Benin, said what they need is to ensure there is peace, progress and tranquillity in Edo state. He said election is not a do or die affair but prayed that there is free and fair elections.

In his remarks, the chairman of NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe appealed to the Commission to ensure journalists are accredited on time to ensure them get the accreditation cards to cover the election.

Alenkhe also appealed to the commissioner of police to inform his men to protect journalists that will cover the election and stressed that journalists are ready to cover the local government elections.

Chairman Edo State Commission for Persons with Disability, Theophilus Egbodion, said persons with Disability should create conducive access to cast their votes.

Theophilus Egbodion, said the corridor to the venue of the election should be accessible by PWDs or they provide canopy for them to vote.


Also, present at the stakeholders meeting include representatives of Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Security Agencies, Media, Public Complainant Commission CSOs, NGOs, NOA,  Political Parties including Accord, ZLP, AAC, APM, ADP, AA, PRP, APC, NRM, LP, APP, YPP and PP.


But, other stakeholders who spoke complaints about vote buying, delay of election materials, and the police should be neutral during the election.

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