By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reminded all political appointees and public servants nursing ambitions for the 2027 general elections that the March 1, 2026 deadline for resignation from office remains sacrosanct and will be strictly enforced.
The clarification was conveyed in a Government Special Announcement dated February 28, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the directive affects “all Public Servants, Political Appointees, and Government Functionaries serving in any capacity within the Edo State Public Service” who intend to participate in the forthcoming electoral cycle.
“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,” the statement read.
The government explained that the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment 2026 to shield aspirants from legal complications.
“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.”
It stressed that the measure was not punitive but necessary to preserve institutional integrity and public trust.
“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.”
The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo further reminded public office holders to separate governance from partisan politics.
“Public office holders are reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements.”
Reaffirming its stance, the statement added: “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.”
