A spate of resignations has hit the Edo State Government after Governor Monday Okpebholo directed political appointees and civil servants nursing electoral ambitions to relinquish their positions.
The governor had ordered all affected officials to step down on or before March 1 in compliance with the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026.
Among those who have complied is the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Washington Osifo, who formally submitted his resignation. Osifo is said to be preparing to vie for the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency seat, currently occupied in the House of Representatives by Billy Osawaru.
Also exiting the administration is the Deputy Chief of Staff, Plus Alile, who has declared his intention to contest the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency seat in the upcoming elections. His resignation signals a transition from his executive responsibilities in the state to legislative aspirations at the federal level.
The development also affected members of state boards and commissions. Osaze Igbinovia resigned from the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission board, while Terry Igiebor stepped down from the Edo State Audit Commission.
Governor Okpebholo’s directive is intended to enforce provisions of the amended electoral law, which mandates that public office holders seeking elective positions must resign before taking part in party primaries or other electoral activities.
The state government maintained that the move is aimed at fostering transparency, fairness, and institutional neutrality as the next election cycle approaches.