Okpebholo’s Charge: Osifo, Eseigbe, Alile, Uwadia Quit
By Reporter
Few hours after the directive of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for political office holders with elective interest to resign from his government, two Commissioners, a Special Adviser and the Deputy Chief of Staff in the state have tendered their resignation letters.
The statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, asked all public servants, political appointees, and government functionaries intending to seek elective office to resign on or before March 1, 2026, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party primaries.
As at the time of this report, only a handful has courageously accepted the resign or stay out directive.
Leading the club of courageous politicians on Edo State is Dr. Washington Osifo, he left his office as Commissioner of Water Resources and Sanitation to pursue his ambition to contest the Orhionmwon /Uhunmwode Federal Constituency as Federal lawmaker.
Dr. Lucky Eseigbe who within 365 days journeyed two ministries amidst rattling concerns, has left his desk as Commissioner for Physical Planning to plan for his election as a House of Representatives member, in his quest to replace Mr. Marcus Onubu.
Barrister Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, Publicity Secretary of the APC in Edo State, threw in his towel from his corner as Special Adviser on Political Party Affairs to Governor Okpebholo to vie for a position yet known.
Pius Alile has left as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Edo State Deputy Governor to participate in the crowded space of those contesting for the APC House of Representatives ticket in Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency.
There are also unconfirmed reports that the Chairman of Edo State Inland Revenue Board, Mr. Bankole Balogun has also resigned to wrestle the House of Representatives ticket from Mr. Peter Akpatason who has represented Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency since 2011.
Pundits have applauded the new Electoral Act 2026 as the ultimate umpire for equity participation in party primaries.
Governor Okpebholo may have capitalised on the new law to strengthen his government.
In his resignation letter to the State Governor, Dr. Washington Osifo, immediate Commissioner of Water Resources and Sanitation, thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve.
His swift action has been widely interpreted as a clear signal of his readiness to pursue a concerted campaign to occupy the federal seat currently occupied by Mr. Billy Osawaru, who has also indicated interest to seek a re-election for second term in office.
