A wave of resignations has swept through the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State following a directive requiring political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to step down.
The development comes after a circular dated February 28, 2026, issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, and made public on March 2, 2026. The directive mandates all political appointees, civil servants, and officials serving in the current administration who intend to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign with immediate effect.
Among those who have formally tendered their resignations are the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Washington Osifo; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Lucky Eseigbe; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the State Deputy Governor, Pius Alile; and the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bar Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie.
In separate letters addressed to the SSG, the officials confirmed their decisions to pursue elective positions.
Dr. Osifo stated that he resigned to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde Federal Constituency, currently occupied by Chief Billy Osawaru, who is reportedly seeking a second term.
Similarly, Pius Alile stepped down from his position in the office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, to contest for the Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency. In his resignation letter dated February 27, 2026, Alile said his action was in compliance with the provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which requires holders of executive and political appointments to resign before participating in elections.
The Egor/Ikpoba Okha seat is presently held by Hon. Omoruyi Murphy Osaro, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Party (ADC).
Dr. Eseigbe also resigned to contest for the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency.
Meanwhile, Bar Uwadiae-Igbinigie stepped down as Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Party Affairs to contest for the position of State Publicity Secretary at the party’s State Congress scheduled for March 3, 2026.
The mass resignation marks a significant political shift within the Edo State Government as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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