Political Shake-up in Edo: Mass Resignation Hits Governor Okpebholo’s Cabinet Ahead of 2027

 

The political landscape of Edo State has been jolted by a wave of high-profile departures following a directive from the state government. On Monday, March 2, 2026, a mass resignation of political appointees hit the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo. This exodus is a direct consequence of a strategic government circular aimed at clearing the field for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

​The mass resignation was triggered by a circular dated February 28, 2026, issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor. The directive was clear: all political appointees and civil servants harboring ambitions for elective positions in 2027 must vacate their current offices immediately. This move is designed to ensure that governance remains focused and is not compromised by the distractions of early campaigning.

​The Key Figures Stepping Down

​Several heavyweights within the Okpebholo administration have already turned in their resignation letters to pursue their legislative and party ambitions. The departures span across vital ministries and strategic advisory roles.

​Notable Resignations Include:

• ​Dr. Washington Osifo: The former Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation. Osifo has officially declared his intent to contest the House of Representatives seat for the Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde Federal Constituency, a seat currently held by Chief Billy Osawaru.
• ​Dr. Lucky Eseigbe: The former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. Eseigbe is stepping down to vie for the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency seat in the green chamber.
• ​Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie: Formerly the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Party Affairs. Uwadiae-Igbinigie, who also serves as the State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), resigned to focus on the party's State Congress scheduled for March 3, 2026.

​Why the "Immediate Resignation" Directive?

​The circular issued by SSG Umar Musa Ikhilor is a tactical maneuver often seen in Nigerian politics to maintain administrative integrity. By forcing aspirants to resign early, the Okpebholo administration aims to:

1. ​Prevent Conflict of Interest: Ensuring that state resources are not utilized for personal campaign purposes.
2. ​Ensure Continuity: Allowing the Governor to appoint new individuals who can focus 100% on the administration's "Renewed Hope" agenda for Edo State without the distraction of a ballot run.
3. ​Adhere to Electoral Guidelines: Aligning with the provisions of the Electoral Act regarding the resignation of political appointees before primary elections.

​The 2027 Power Struggle Begins

​The resignations signal the unofficial "kick-off" of the 2027 election cycle in Edo State. With Dr. Washington Osifo targeting a seat currently occupied by an incumbent seeking reelection, and others eyeing strategic federal constituencies, the battle lines are being drawn early.

​The political atmosphere in Benin City is currently charged as observers wait to see who Governor Okpebholo will pick to fill these vacant cabinet positions. The Governor’s choice of replacements will be a strong indicator of his political strategy heading into the second half of his first term.

​Public and Political Reaction

​While some critics view the mass resignation as a sign of internal fragmentation, supporters of the Governor describe it as a "necessary house cleaning." They argue that it allows those with political aspirations to test their popularity at the polls without dragging the state government into partisan crossfires.

​The APC in Edo State is also in a period of transition, with the State Congresses coinciding with these cabinet exits. The party is looking to consolidate its power base following the 2024 gubernatorial victory, and these movements are seen as part of the broader preparation for the 2027 general elections.

​Conclusion: A New Phase for Edo Governance

​Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is entering a new phase. With several commissioners and advisers out the door, the cabinet is set for a significant reshuffle. As the "political migrants" begin their journey toward the National Assembly and party leadership roles, the people of Edo State will be watching closely to see if the new appointees can maintain the momentum of the current government’s developmental projects.