Ahead of the 2026 local government elections in Edo State, the Auchi Youth Council (AYC) has thrown its weight behind Hon. Abubakar Abdullah Igbei of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its preferred candidate for the Chairmanship position of Etsako West Local Government Council.

The endorsement was announced by the Board of Trustees Chairman of AYC, Chief Oshiobugie Ahmed, during a meeting held at Auchi Edo, at the weekend.

The decision by AYC, Oshiobugie said, was guided by the need for fairness, justice, and balanced political representation within the local government area.

Chief Oshiobugie argued that Auchi has long demonstrated loyalty to the APC and deserves the opportunity to lead Etsako West, especially in the light of what he described as the injustice suffered by Hon. Igbei during the last local government elections held under the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

According to him, Hon. Igbei had been clearly leading in the vote count before the results were “mysteriously altered” and later announced from Benin by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

“That injustice remains fresh in our memory,” he said. “It is time for fairness to prevail. Auchi has remained steadfast in her loyalty to the APC and has contributed immensely to the growth and stability of Etsako West. It is only right that Auchi produces the next local government chairman.”

Chief Oshiobugie further noted that Uzairue currently holds several key political positions in the state, including a senator, commissioner, and party chairman, and therefore called for a more equitable distribution of leadership roles within Etsako West.

He urged political stakeholders, community leaders, and youth organizations across the local government area to support what he described as a collective call for balance and inclusion in local governance.

“We are not asking for favour; we are demanding fairness,” he emphasized. “Auchi has paid her dues and deserves to be rewarded for her loyalty and contributions to our great party, the APC.”

The Auchi Youth Council reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement and expressed confidence in Hon. Abubakar Abdullah Igbei’s leadership capacity, describing him as a grassroots mobilizer with integrity and experience.

The Council maintained that its endorsement reflects the collective voice of Auchi youths who believe that fair representation is key to fostering unity, development, and progress across Etsako West Local Government Area.