Three Parties Announce Boycott Of Edo LG Poll On Saturday

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Congress (NDC)  have said they are boycotting the Saturday Local Government Election in the State.

Speaking with journalists, Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) spokesperson, Mr Albert Eguaoje, said only 12 parties are fielding candidates for the election.

He revealed that the commission has attained 85 per cent preparedness for the election, noting that distribution of electoral materials had commenced on Thursday, beginning with distant local government areas in Edo north district while others other councils would be dispatched on Friday.”

He listed participating parties to include,  All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party, Action People’s Party (APP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Allied People’s Movement (APM).

Others are Young Progressives Party (YPP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Action Congress (AAC), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Alliance (AA).

Edo State chapter of the PDP on its part explained that the decision not to participate in the election is due to the illegality and constitutional violations by EDSIEC and the state government in preparing for the elections.

The PDP in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, said the party would not field  candidate for the chairmanship, vice chairmanship and councillorship positions.

He also faulted the dissolution of the previous EDSIEC before the expiration of its tenure and alleged the refusal to obey eight High Court judgments reinstating elected council chairmen.

On his part, Hon Kennedy Odion, the factional chairman of ADC in the state said the party declined to participate  due to EDSIEC’s refusal to sign a memorandum of understanding that electoral materials must get to all units, wards and local governments.

NDC state secretary, Peter Ajube said his party declined participation because the election processes were almost completed before the party came on board in the state.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has announcedthat there will be a restriction of movement throughout Edo State from 12:00 midnight (0000hrs) to 3:00 p.m. (1800hrs) on Saturday, 11th July, 2026, to ensure the peaceful, orderly, and secure conduct of the Local Government Council Elections.

The restriction is part of the comprehensive security measures put in place by the Command in collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee a peaceful electoral process, protect voters, electoral officials, and sensitive materials, as well as prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Consequently, all vehicular and human movement within the state is prohibited during the stated period, except for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, accredited election observers, duly accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency and other essential service providers on election duty.

“Members of the public are advised to comply fully with this directive, as security operatives have been strategically deployed across the eighteen Local Government Areas of the state to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order.

“Any person or group found violating the restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika,  reassures the good people of Edo State that adequate security arrangements have been made to safeguard the election and urges residents to come out peacefully to exercise their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, as the Command remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and credible electoral process.”