Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has commended residents for participating in the ongoing local government elections, describing the turnout as encouraging and a reflection of growing confidence in grassroots governance.
The governor spoke on Saturday after casting his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, in Esan Central Local Government Area.
Okpebholo, who arrived at his polling unit at about 10:24 a.m., joined other voters in the queue before voting at approximately 10:40 a.m.
Speaking to journalists after voting, the governor expressed satisfaction with reports from across the state, saying the election was peaceful and orderly.
“This election is very peaceful and it is going smoothly based on the feedback we are getting from the field,” he said.
He added, “The turnout is very high. This is a demonstration of grassroots democracy. It shows that our people are interested in choosing those who will administer the affairs of their local governments.”
The governor urged residents to remain peaceful throughout the electoral process and await the official declaration of results by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission.
“By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election,” Okpebholo said.
Meanwhile, despite a statewide restriction on movement imposed by the Edo State Police Command from midnight until 6:00 p.m. to ensure security during the election, many residents and motorists were seen moving freely across Benin City and other parts of the state.
Commercial buses, tricycles, motorcycles and private vehicles operated along major routes, including Ring Road, Airport Road and the New Benin axis, while some traders also opened their businesses.
Some commuters and commercial drivers claimed they were unaware of the restriction.
“We no hear say dem restrict movement today. We dey hustle because we get family to feed,” a commercial driver identified simply as Edos said.
Similarly, a motorcycle rider in Auchi, Alli Usman, said he was unaware of both the restriction and the election.
“I am not aware of the restriction order and the election; that is why I am doing my business,” he said.
The police had announced the restriction as part of security measures designed to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible local government election and to facilitate the movement of electoral personnel and materials.
The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission cleared 12 political parties to participate in the election across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Although accreditation commenced in several polling units, voting was delayed in some locations, while security personnel maintained a presence at polling centres to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Initial observations, however, indicated generally low voter turnout in parts of the Benin metropolis despite the governor’s optimistic assessment.
