2027: OKPEBHOLO’S CABINET HIT BY SERIES OF RESIGNATIONS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

A wave of resignations has hit the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, following a directive requiring political office holders with electoral ambitions to step down.

According to the media, the development stems from a circular dated February 28, 2026, issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and made public on March 2, 2026. The directive instructed all political appointees, civil servants, and government officials intending to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign immediately.

Among those who have submitted resignation letters are Dr. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation; Dr. Lucky Eseigbe, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development; Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC); and Pius Alile, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.

In separate letters addressed to the SSG, the officials confirmed their intentions to contest various seats in the House of Representatives.

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Osifo stated that he resigned to pursue the Orhionmwon/Uhumwonde Federal Constituency seat, currently held by Chief Billy Osawaru, who is reportedly seeking re-election.

Alile stepped down from his role in the Deputy Governor’s office to contest the Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency. In his letter dated February 27, 2026, he noted that his decision complies with provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political appointees and public office holders to resign before seeking elective office. The constituency is presently represented by Hon. Omoruyi Murphy Osaro, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Party (ADC).

Similarly, Eseigbe resigned to run for the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency seat.

Meanwhile, Uwadiae-Igbinigie stepped down as Special Adviser on Political Party Affairs to contest the March 3, 2026, state congress of the APC for the position of State Publicity Secretary.

The resignations signal early political realignments within the Okpebholo administration as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.