The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has sharply condemned the local government by-election currently being held by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), labelling it as “illegal” and an act of defiance against a valid court order.
Speaking in Benin, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, the state caretaker chairman of the PDP, accused the state government of ignoring a recent court injunction that had specifically prohibited the conduct of any local government elections. The court order, issued by Justice Mary Itsueli of the Edo State High Court, upheld the validity of the elected councillors until September 2026, ensuring that their positions remained uncontested for the duration of their tenure.
“The court had clearly directed that the seats of the current councillors remain valid until September 2026. For EDSIEC to ignore this order and proceed with elections is a direct violation of the judiciary’s authority,” Aziegbemi declared, stressing the serious implications of such actions.
The PDP leader went further, asserting that the by-election, which is being conducted for 59 councillorship seats across 18 local government councils, was a deliberate attempt to siphon public funds. He expressed concerns that the party’s participation would amount to condoning contempt of court. “The tenure of the current chairmen and councillors has not expired, and there are five court judgments supporting this. The process is simply unlawful,” Aziegbemi added.
The PDP intends to focus on strengthening its grassroots structures through ongoing congresses, particularly as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. Aziegbemi warned that security agencies should be cautious not to endorse what he termed an unconstitutional election process.
The state electoral body, however, remains committed to its agenda, with the by-election already underway. The seats in question were declared vacant by the State House of Assembly due to the repeated absenteeism of the previous councillors.
