Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has described the ongoing local government election as peaceful and orderly, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of voters across the state.
The governor spoke shortly after casting his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area. He praised residents for turning out in large numbers and conducting themselves responsibly throughout the exercise.
According to him, reports from various parts of Edo State showed that the election was progressing smoothly without major disruptions.
“This election has been peaceful and everything is going smoothly based on the reports reaching us from across the state,” he said.
Okpebholo also commended the impressive turnout, describing it as a strong sign of public interest in grassroots governance. He noted that the large number of voters reflected the people’s determination to choose leaders who would oversee the affairs of their local councils.
He expressed confidence that the electoral process would be concluded successfully, adding that winners would emerge once voting and collation were completed.
The governor appealed to residents to remain law abiding, maintain the peaceful atmosphere and patiently await the official announcement of results by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission.
Also speaking on the exercise, the Executive Director of the Initiative for Awareness of Civic Education for Citizens, Comrade Fidelis Nwoke, said election observers had not reported any serious security concerns since voting began.
Nwoke explained that his organization, together with other accredited observer groups, monitored polling units in Udomi, Igueben and several other locations across the state. According to him, the process had remained peaceful, orderly and well organized.
He said reports received from different parts of Edo indicated that electoral officials arrived at polling units as scheduled, while eligible voters were able to cast their ballots without disruption. He added that the democratic process would naturally produce both winners and those who did not succeed.
One of the voters, Christopher Ejodamen, also commended the conduct of the election, saying residents voted freely without intimidation or harassment.
He noted that the calm atmosphere encouraged more people to participate in the election, describing it as a positive sign of the commitment of Edo residents to strengthening democracy at the grassroots.
