IPAC Commends Okpebholo for Free, Fair and Credible Edo LG Election

Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the successful conduct of a free, fair and credible local government election across the state, describing the exercise as one of the best ever conducted in Edo State.

Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Bishop Akhalamhe, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led members of the council’s executive on a courtesy visit to Governor Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City.

Akhalamhe said the peaceful conduct of the election and the emergence of winners had demonstrated the commitment of the state government and relevant stakeholders to strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots.

According to him, IPAC would continue to collaborate with the Okpebholo administration and the newly elected local government chairmen to promote good governance and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the people.

“Election has come and gone, but we congratulate you on the success of the election as winners have emerged. The election was free, fair and credible with no issues.

“We will collaborate with the local government chairmen and ensure they succeed because if they succeed, it is the state government that succeeds,” he said.

The IPAC chairman also applauded Governor Okpebholo for what he described as remarkable developmental strides within less than two years in office, noting that several of the administration’s projects were already making visible impacts on residents and the state’s economy.

He particularly cited the Ramat Park Flyover and other legacy projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.

“In less than two years, you have summarised the achievements of a four-year term as governor. What you have done in less than two years is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf,” Akhalamhe said.

He further noted that although the All Progressives Congress (APC) produced the governor, the party remains one of the political parties under the IPAC umbrella, stressing that the council’s broader responsibility is to support democratic governance and ensure the success of the administration.

Responding, Governor Okpebholo attributed the achievements of his administration to the peaceful and conducive environment created through the cooperation of stakeholders, including political parties.

The governor expressed appreciation to IPAC for contributing to the stability that had enabled his administration to concentrate on delivering development to the people.

“You people have given me the peace of mind to work for Edo people, and the credit is for all of us. The local government election was peaceful and everybody is happy,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo also said the outcome of the local government election had strengthened his administration’s confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the state recorded more than 2.1 million votes and expressing optimism that the figure would be built upon in the presidential election.

He disclosed that Edo residents had expressed their readiness to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, with a target of 2.5 million votes for the President.

The governor maintained that what Edo people primarily expected from government was good governance, effective leadership and tangible improvements in their quality of life.

On security, Governor Okpebholo said his administration had made significant progress in tackling cult-related violence and preventing the killing of youths across the state.

He recalled an encounter with an Edo woman who expressed appreciation for the administration’s efforts to curb cult-related killings, saying the feedback reinforced his government’s determination to sustain its security interventions.

The governor also highlighted his administration’s efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, citing the construction of a 23.5-kilometre concrete-paved road with a proper drainage system as part of the infrastructure projects designed to stimulate economic activities.

He said the road would improve transportation, connectivity and business activities within the affected area.

The engagement between IPAC and the governor underscored the importance of sustained dialogue among political parties and government in promoting peaceful political participation, inclusive governance and democratic consolidation in Edo State.

IPAC is an umbrella and consultative platform for registered political parties, established to promote cooperation, peaceful dialogue and a level playing field among political actors, while also strengthening engagement between political parties and electoral institutions.

The statement was signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.