A series of resignations has swept through the cabinet of Monday Okpebholo, following a directive issued to political appointees seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections.
The development came after a circular dated February 28, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and made public on March 2, 2026. The directive instructed all political appointees, civil servants, and officials in the administration aspiring to contest elective positions in 2027 to step down immediately.
Among those who have submitted resignation letters are Dr. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation; Dr. Lucky Eseigbe, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development; Bar Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC); and Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff to the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
In separate letters addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, the officials declared their intentions to contest seats in the House of Representatives for their respective constituencies.
Dr. Osifo stated that he resigned to pursue the House of Representatives seat for the Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde Federal Constituency, currently represented by Chief Billy Osawaru, who is reportedly seeking a second term.
Pius Alile stepped down from his role in the office of the Deputy Governor to contest for the Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency. In his resignation letter dated February 27, 2026, Alile cited compliance with provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which mandates that political appointees and public office holders resign before contesting elections.
The Egor/Ikpoba Okha seat is presently occupied by Hon. Omoruyi Murphy Osaro, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the Labour Party.
Dr. Lucky Eseigbe also resigned to contest the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency seat.
Meanwhile, Bar Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie stepped down from his position as Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Party Affairs to contest in the party’s March 3, 2026 State Congress for the office of State Publicity Secretary.
The mass resignations mark a significant political shift within the Okpebholo administration as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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