Indications have emerged that major opposition parties in Edo State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), may not participate in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for July 11, 2026.
According to guidelines released by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), political parties are expected to conclude their primaries, including the resolution of disputes, by April 8, while campaigns are slated to commence on April 24, reports The Nation.
However, checks indicate that while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun selling nomination forms ahead of its April 3 primary, both the ADC and PDP have yet to commence similar processes or announce dates for their primaries.
Edo ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, said the party would decide on participation after consulting stakeholders and assessing EDSIEC’s readiness to conduct a credible election.
He stressed the need for the electoral body to provide a clear framework for conducting the polls, particularly assurances on transparency and result collation.
“They need to give us a blueprint on how the election will be conducted and assure us that results will be transmitted from polling units, not manipulated elsewhere. Otherwise, there is no point participating in what may turn out to be a shadow election,” he said.
Odion added that party members have been placed on standby pending a final decision, noting that participation would depend on guarantees of a free and fair process.
Similarly, the Edo PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, said the party would convene a stakeholders’ meeting to determine its position on the election.
In contrast, the Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, confirmed that the party is proceeding with preparations, including its scheduled primary election on April 3.
He assured that the APC primary would be conducted transparently, noting that even in cases of consensus, aspirants would still undergo affirmation by party members.
“The APC is a structured and organised party that takes internal democracy seriously,” Tenebe said.
