July 11th LGA Election in perspective And Okpebholo's Resolve to deepen grass root administration - By Eubaldus Enahoro

 

On Saturday,  July 11th 2026, Edo people will be coming out to cast their votes for local government chairmen,   and councilors across the state.

They  will be voting for the person who fixes the drainage on their street, maintains markets, and provides primary health care facilities, immunization, maternal care, Basic Education, Primary schools, adult literacy, Rural roads, waste and  streetlights in the communities 

That is why local government elections are the most personal elections we have and very important to  deliver the dividends of democracy at the grassroot . 

Interestingly, the people at the local government areas and the villages are the ones who really need government attention 

As Edo goes to the polls in all eighteen Local Government Areas and 192 wards, the question voters should be asking is not “which party will win?” The real question should be, " will this  election  get the government closer to the people?

For example when the borehole in Efandion village, in Esan North East local government works, that's the local government’s responsibility. When waste is not picked up for two weeks in Uromi, that’s the fault of the local government  and not the state government.

Even though the presence of the state government must be felt at the grass root, the state government cannot fix a pothole in  Ikpoba Okah or Afuze from Benin City. That is the Chairman’s job.

The Chairmen and his councilors control the relationship with vigilantes and community policing. With the 2025 Anti-Kidnapping Law of the state government, local governments  must help identify hideouts and support intelligence gathering.

Now,  with direct allocation to local governments in force, Edo local governments will receive more money and the voters should be mindful that those to be elected  will build, and not come to only use the money for themselves 

The Questions Every Edo Voter Should Ask  before they cast their votes is that why should they vote for party logo alone instead of a credible candidate 

Any candidate that cannot convince the people of working towards providing  light, health and rural roads  for the people should not be taken seriously because they have no plan to uplift the living standard of the people 

Those who believe in giving the people fish to eat, instead of teaching them to fish, should be examined properly because  it is an indication that they do not have a plan.

This is the time to demand regular income and expenditure from those elected. No more secret budgets. Direct allocation means we must watch the money.

The local government Chairman cannot succeed in fighting   traditional Rulers, Chiefs and youth leaders because governance at that level is teamwork.

The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission must ensure the process is free, fair, and credible. Materials must arrive on time. Results must be pasted at polling units.  The Political Parties must sell candidates, not thugs. No vote buying. No intimidation.  

The Security Agencies must protect voters, especially in Edo Central and North flashpoints. We cannot have another election where fear keeps people at home.

Those to be elected should have a contract with the people. They should be ready to grade their road, fumigate their  market, and make sure that the public health care facilities have adequate staff and drugs.

Edo people are known to be politically aware. This is the time to  prove it. Let everyone Come out with their voters card to Vote. Stay and watch the vote count. The vote must count for a credible candidate to emerge victorious 

If we elect the right Chairmen and Councillors, few months from now Edo people will feel it on their street with good service delivery, but on the other hand If they elect the wrong ones, they will only complain for the next three years.

We must not forget that the Heartbeat of the Nation starts at the ward level. Let’s make it beat strong on July 11th.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has consistently assured Edo people of his administration's development agenda at the grassroots by ensuring improved infrastructure, better service delivery and responsible management of local government resources.

The governor's confidence is anchored on tangible steps already taken to strengthen local government administration.

On February 23, 2026, in one of the boldest investments in grassroots governance in recent years, Governor Okpebholo officially handed over 54 heavy-duty construction equipment—including bulldozers, excavators, graders and rollers—to the 18 local government councils.

The equipment, according to the governor, was procured to enable councils undertake rural road construction, drainage projects, environmental sanitation and other community-based infrastructure without unnecessary dependence on the state government.

Describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of his SHINE Agenda, Governor Okpebholo stressed that development must extend beyond Benin City to every village, community and ward across Edo State.

Beyond infrastructure support, the governor has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to local government autonomy, maintaining that his administration does not interfere with statutory allocations due to local governments, thereby allowing elected councils the financial independence required to execute projects that directly benefit their people.

This approach reflects a governance philosophy built on collaboration rather than control, with the state government providing strategic support while allowing local councils to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.

For Governor Monday Okpebholo, the election represents more than a political contest. It is an opportunity to deepen grassroots governance, consolidate the gains of his SHINE Agenda and ensure that development reaches every community across Edo State through capable and responsive local government leadership.

Eubaldus Enahoro is former Editor of the Nigerian Observer Newspaper