Resign If Interested in Elective Positions, Edo Govt Tells Political Appointees

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin                                                                                   

The Edo State Government has asked all public servants, political appointees, and government functionaries serving in the state public service interested in contesting for political office to immediately resign their appointment.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, any public officer, who intended 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.

“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,” he said.

The state government emphasised that this requirement was intended to promote fairness, transparency, and a level playing field for all aspirants, while also safeguarding the integrity and neutrality of public institutions.

Public office holders were reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements.

All affected officers were therefore advised to take immediate and necessary steps to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeline.