A wave of high-profile resignations has swept through the Edo State Government following a decisive directive by Governor Monday Okpebholo mandating that all political appointees and civil servants with electoral ambitions vacate their offices.

The governor had earlier instructed affected officials to resign on or before March 1, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026. The move, according to government sources, is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with electoral regulations while promoting transparency and institutional neutrality ahead of the next political cycle.

Among those who have stepped down is the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Washington Osifo. His resignation is reportedly linked to plans to contest the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency seat, currently represented in the House of Representatives by Billy Osawaru.

Also resigning is the Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Plus Alile, who is seeking to contest the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency seat in the forthcoming elections. His departure signals a shift from his executive role within the state government to legislative aspirations at the national level.

The resignation wave has also extended beyond the executive council. Osaze Igbinovia stepped down from his position as a board member of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, while Terry Igiebor relinquished his appointment to the Edo State Audit Commission.

Governor Okpebholo’s directive reinforces the legal requirement that public office holders must resign before participating in party primaries or electoral processes. The administration maintains that the policy is a necessary step to strengthen governance standards, uphold the rule of law, and create a level playing field as political activities intensify across Edo State.