BENIN CITY – The Edo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on residents, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free conduct of the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026.
In a press release signed by the State Director of the agency, Barrister Osahon Woghiren, the NOA urged eligible voters across the state to come out in large numbers to exercise their constitutional rights by participating in the grassroots election.
The agency stressed that voting is not only a constitutional right but also a civic responsibility that strengthens democratic governance at the local government level.
It reminded voters that only those in possession of valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be eligible to vote and advised all registered voters to report to their designated polling units on election day for accreditation and voting.
The NOA also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence, hate speech, vote-buying, intimidation and all forms of electoral malpractice before, during and after the election.
According to the agency, elections should remain a contest of ideas and service to the people rather than an avenue for conflict, division or disorder.
The agency further called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, community leaders and civil society organisations to intensify efforts at promoting peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
It equally urged security agencies and election officials to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally, impartially and in strict accordance with the law in order to boost public confidence in the credibility of the election.
Reaffirming its commitment to civic education, national unity and responsible citizenship, the National Orientation Agency appealed to all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the Edo State local government election is peaceful, free, fair and credible, reflecting the collective will of the electorate.
The agency added that while elections are temporary events, the shared commitment of Nigerians to peace, unity and sustainable development must remain steadfast beyond the polls.
