The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected plans by the State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to conduct by-elections in all wards across the state. The PDP’s opposition comes after the Edo State House of Assembly mandated EDSIEC to hold the elections, citing the alleged abandonment of seats by elected councillors.

According to the PDP, the planned by-elections are illegal, unconstitutional, and disregard a subsisting court order. Chris Nehikhare, the party’s Publicity Secretary, stated that those organizing the by-elections lack the authority to do so. The PDP has called on the state government to respect the rule of law and avoid plunging the state into a political crisis.

The party’s concerns are rooted in the fact that Edo State already has duly elected councillors serving in the 192 wards, with their tenure set to expire in September 2026. The PDP views the attempt to hold by-elections as an attempt to undermine the democratic mandate of the existing councillors. Nehikhare described the action as a “civilian coup” against the people of Edo State, aimed at seizing control of the councils and destabilizing grassroots governance.

The controversy began on August 25, 2025, when the State House of Assembly passed a resolution mandating EDSIEC to conduct by-elections in all seats where councillors had allegedly abandoned their responsibilities since January 2025. The lawmakers gave EDSIEC three weeks to conduct the elections, with the winners’ tenure set to end alongside those currently in office.

The PDP’s rejection of the planned by-elections highlights the ongoing tensions between the state government and the opposition party. The situation has sparked concerns about the stability of grassroots governance in Edo State and the potential for further political unrest. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the PDP’s opposition and whether the planned by-elections will proceed as scheduled.