By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Multiple political appointees in Edo State have resigned from Governor Monday Okpebholo’s cabinet, intensifying political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. The wave of exits includes the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Washington Osifo, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Plus Alile and several other aides and board members who stepped down in Benin City on 2 March 2026 in compliance with Okpebholo’s directive that all political office holders seeking elective positions must resign by the stipulated deadline.
The mass resignation follows a policy announcement by Okpebholo mandating that political appointees and public servants intending to contest elective offices vacate their appointments to ensure adherence to electoral laws and avoid conflict of interest. Several of those who resigned are reported to be pursuing seats in the National Assembly and other key political offices, signalling a broader shift within the All Progressives Congress (APC) political structure in Edo State.
Political analysts say the resignations reflect both compliance with governor‑level guidelines and the strategic calculations of ambitious office holders positioning themselves for competitive campaigns in next year’s polls, underscoring how electoral timelines are reshaping governance dynamics in the region.
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