In the upcoming election cycle, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has instructed all government employees, political appointees, and public servants who want to run for elective office to step down by March 1, 2026, at the latest.
The Okpebholo administration stated in a Government Special Announcement dated February 28, 2026, that the directive was given strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026.
A warning was issued by Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, who signed the statement, stating that any officer who intends to take part in party primaries or any other election procedure must first resign from their job within the allotted period.
According to the statement, candidates who don’t follow the rules run the possibility of being disqualified by the appropriate electoral authorities.
The statement stated, “This directive is issued in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026, and is aimed at ensuring that all aspiring candidates do not run the risk of being disqualified by the relevant electoral authorities.”
The administration clarified that the goal of the policy was to encourage equity, openness, and a level playing field for all candidates.
It also emphasized the need to protect the impartiality and integrity of public institutions and the need for partisan political involvement to not undermine governance duties.
“The government emphasizes that this requirement is meant to protect the integrity and neutrality of public institutions while also promoting fairness, transparency, and a level playing field for all aspirants,” the statement said.
The governor of Edo ordered all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to distribute the notice as widely as possible in order to guarantee complete adherence.
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