The Edo Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Monday presented Certificates of Return to the chairmen and vice chairmen elected during Saturday’s election into the 18 local government area of the state.
Presenting the certificates at the commission’s headquarters in Benin, the Chairman of EDSIEC, Mr Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, said the exercise marked the successful completion of the 2026 local government election.
He congratulated all candidates, who took part in the election, especially those declared winners, and urged them to serve the people with honesty, fairness and accountability.
“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.
“Public office is a sacred trust. Lead with integrity, humility and fairness, and always work for the good of the people,” he said.
Aifuobhokhan urged the elected officials to promote peace and unity, carry everyone along regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity, and use public resources wisely.
He also urged them to focus on development that would improve the lives of people at the grassroots.
The EDSIEC chairman thanked the Edo government, security agencies, political parties, election observers, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, the media, election officials and residents for their support.
This, he said, contributed to the peaceful conduct of the election.
Responding on behalf of the elected chairmen, the Chairman-elect of Oredo local Government area commended the commission for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible election.
He said the elected chairmen would support the development agenda of the Edo government and work for the welfare of the people.
He assured residents that they would not disappoint the electorate but would work to deliver dividends of democracy at the grassroots.
Edo LG chairmen-elect pledge to tackle insecurity
In a related development, the newly elected Chairmen in Edo have pledged to address insecurity, improve infrastructure, healthcare and education in their respective Local Government Areas.
The chairmen made the pledge on Monday in Benin, shortly after they received their Certificates of Return from the Edo Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
The certificates were presented at the commission’s headquarters by EDSIEC Chairman, Mr Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, following the recently concluded local government elections.
Speaking after collecting his certificate, Robert Akande, Chairman-elect, Akoko-Edo local government council, described his victory as a mandate to serve the people and promised to make security one of his administration’s top priorities.
He said his administration would work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to tackle insecurity, while also rehabilitating dilapidated schools, health facilities, court buildings and other public infrastructure across the council area.
Akande also pledged to unite residents irrespective of political affiliation, saying he would govern for everyone in Akoko-Edo.
“I am now the chairman-elect for the entire Akoko-Edo local government area, not just the APC. We are going to bring our people together, irrespective of political differences, and ensure they enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“On security, we will partner with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to reduce insecurity to the barest minimum,” he said.
Similarly, Romeo Alaoye, chairman-elect, Etsako West local government area, also promised prudent management of public funds.
His administration, he said, would focus on improving security, healthcare and basic education in collaboration with the state government.
According to him, investing in primary education and delivering meaningful development at the grassroots would remain key priorities of his administration.
“We are going to make sure taxpayers’ money is used for the benefit of our people. We will work with the state government to improve security, strengthen healthcare and give more attention to basic education because that is where every child’s future begins,” Alaoye said.
Aifuobhokhan had while presenting the certificates of return, congratulated the elected chairmen and councillors, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate through dedicated service, accountability and respect for democratic principles.
Recall that the All Progressives Congress won in all the 18 local government areas of the state, where election held on Saturday.