The Edo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency has appealed to eligible voters, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free conduct of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026.

In a statement signed by the State Director of the agency, Barrister Osahon Woghiren, the agency urged residents of the state to come out in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right to vote, describing participation in the electoral process as a civic responsibility that strengthens democratic governance at the grassroots.

The agency reminded voters that only those with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be eligible to participate in the election and advised eligible voters to report to the polling units where they registered for accreditation and voting on the scheduled date.

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. It stressed that elections should remain a contest of ideas and service rather than a source of conflict and division.

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 also urged security agencies and election officials to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

Reaffirming its commitment to civic education, national unity and responsible citizenship, the National Orientation Agency called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the forthcoming Edo State local government election is peaceful, free, fair and credible, reflecting the collective will of the people.

The agency added that although elections come and go, Nigerians must remain united in their shared commitment to peace, national unity and sustainable development.