By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
As the state gears up for various elections, the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has ordered those nursing the idea to contest for elections into elective positions to humbly tender their resignation letters.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Umar Musa Ikhilor, and made available to Journalists in Benin.
Okpebholo said the essence is to give room for a level playing field for all that are seeking elective positions.
According to the statement “The Edo State Government hereby notifies all Public Servants, Political Appointees, and Government Functionaries serving in any capacity within the Edo State Public Service that any officer who intends to contest for any elective position in the forthcoming electoral cycle must tender his or her resignation on or before 1st March, 2026, prior to participating in any party primaries or electoral process.
“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 disqualification by the relevant electoral authorities.
“Government emphasizes that this requirement is intended to promote fairness, transparency, and a level playing field for all aspirants, while also safeguarding the integrity and neutrality of public institutions.
“Public office holders are reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements.
“All affected officers are therefore advised to take immediate and necessary steps to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeline.
“The Senator Monday Okpebholo-led Administration remains firmly committed to upholding constitutionalism, respecting the rule of law, and ensuring that due process is strictly observed in all matters of governance and political participation”.
“By this announcement, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are directed to give this notice the widest possible circulation”.