**Edo State: Governor Okpebholo's Appointees Begin Exit as Election Season Looms** In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the Edo State cabinet, several high-ranking officials have tendered their resignation. Among them is the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Washington Osifo, who has chosen to leave his post to pursue a seat in the National Assembly. This move has sparked interest, given that Osifo plans to contest for the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon federal constituency, currently occupied by Hon Billy Osawaru. Notably, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Okpebholo, Plus Alile, has also resigned to pursue an elective position. Alile's intention is to contest for the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency seat. With the 2026 general elections just around the corner, it is clear that these resignations are not mere coincidences. According to reports, Governor Okpebholo has issued a directive for all political appointees seeking elective positions to resign by Sunday, March 1st, 2026. This move suggests that the governor is keen on ensuring that his administration remains free from conflicts of interest. It is worth noting that Edo State has had its fair share of controversies surrounding the involvement of government officials in partisan politics. In a related development, the Edo State governor has recently made new appointments to various key roles in his administration. The appointments are seen as part of efforts to revamp the state's development agenda. It remains to be seen how these new officials will impact the state's progress. As the election season heats up, it will be interesting to monitor the movements of these officials and how they will impact the political landscape of Edo State. Will Governor Okpebholo's directive hold, or will we see a wave of last-minute resignations? Only time will tell.