- APC councillors take over LG chairmanships in Edo after by-elections
- Former PDP councillors-turned-chairmen resign following pressure
- All 18 acting chairmen across the LGAs have stepped down
Less than two days after the conduct of by-elections in 59 wards across Edo State, newly elected councillors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have taken over leadership positions in all 18 local government areas of the state.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the former acting chairmen, most of whom were initially elected as councillors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in September 2023, were asked to step down following the recent elections conducted by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
These individuals had assumed office as acting chairmen after the Edo State House of Assembly suspended the elected chairmen and their deputies in December 2024.
However, after taking over, 17 out of the 18 acting chairmen defected from the PDP to the APC, with only Oredo Local Government remaining under PDP control.
Following the issuance of Certificates of Return to the newly elected APC councillors, the acting chairmen were reportedly pressured to resign to allow the incoming councillors assume the position of acting chairmen.
So far, all 18 former acting chairmen across the state have reportedly stepped down.
These include:
Solomon Oghuma Emmanuel (Etsako East)
Obosa Jolly (Ikpoba Okha)
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)
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)
Okwilague Valentine (Etsako West)
New replacements have already been announced in some councils.
Notably, Sino Eric Osawaru has taken over in Ikpoba Okha, while Augustine Imafidon has been named in Uhunmwode.
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