A mass resignation of political appointees has hit the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
The development followed the circular dated February 28, 2026, issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor and made public on Monday.
Ikhilo directed all political appointees, civil servants and all those serving in the administration who are aspiring to vie for elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign with immediate effect.
Among those who have so far formally tendered their letter of resignation are Dr Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation; Dr Lucky Eseigbe, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development; Bar Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress and Pius Alile, the Deputy Chief Staff to the State Deputy Governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa.
In their separate letters, addressed to the Secretary of the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, the three indicated interest in contesting for their various Federal House of Representatives constituencies.
In his letter, Washington Osifo said he resigned to pursue his ambition of contesting the House of Representatives seat for Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde Federal Constituency.
The seat is currently being occupied by Chief Billy Osawaru, who is reportedly seeking reelection for a second term in office.
On his part, Hon Pius Alile resigned as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government in the office of the State Deputy Governor to contest for the Egor/Ikpoba Khai constituency.
Alile whose resignation letter dated February 27, 2026, said his decision was made in compliance with the provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.
He said the Act required holders of executive positions, including political appointees and public office holders, to resign their appointments before contesting in an election.
The incumbent lawmaker representing Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal constituency is Hon Omoruyi Murphy Osaro, who recently defected to the African Democratic Party, ADC, from the Labour Party.
Also on the list, is Dr Lucky Eseigbe, who resigned to contest for the Esan Central/ Esan West/ Igueben Federal Constituency election.
Bar Peter Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the state publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress resigned as Special Adviser to Governor Okpebholo on Political Party Affairs, to contest for the March 3, 2026, State Congress of the party for the same position of Publicity secretary.
