Elections in 59 local government wards across Edo have been temporarily suspended by the court.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured a court order from the Edo State High Court in Benin City, restraining the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) and the Edo State government from conducting planned local council elections in 59 wards of the state.
Justice Mary E. Itsueli granted the order on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, following an ex parte motion filed by the PDP. The judge ordered the respondents to stay further actions and refrain from conducting the election or taking any further steps in connection with the planned Local Government by-election across the 59 wards in Edo State.
The PDP's argument centres around the tenure of councillors in the affected wards. They contend that the tenure of these councillors is valid until September 2026, making any move to declare their seats vacant unlawful. Justice Itsueli aligned with the PDP's position, stating that the tenure issue raised by the party requires judicial scrutiny.
Justice Itsueli also granted the PDP leave to apply for judicial review and referred the case to the Chief Judge of Edo State for reassignment to a regular court. The case, marked B/247M/2025, seeks judicial review of EDSIEC's decision to conduct the by-elections.
Political tensions persist in Edo's local governments, with most council chairmen having been impeached last December following the state government's directive. Some councillors resisted moves to impeach their chairmen and later stayed away from office for over 90 days.
The matter was fixed for September 30, 2025, as the return date. With the seats declared vacant in line with existing legal provisions, the outcome of the judicial review could have significant implications for the political landscape in Edo State.
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