The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the State Independent Electoral Commission’s (EDSIEC) plan to hold by‑elections in all wards across the state. The party’s opposition follows a resolution by the Edo State House of Assembly that mandated EDSIEC to conduct the elections, alleging that elected councillors had abandoned their seats.
According to the PDP, the proposed by‑elections are illegal, unconstitutional and disregard an existing court order. Chris Nehikhare, the party’s Publicity Secretary, said that those organizing the polls lack the authority to do so and called on the state government to respect the rule of law and avoid plunging Edo into a political crisis.
The PDP’s concerns stem from the fact that Edo State already has duly elected councillors serving in the 192 wards, whose terms run until September 2026. The party views the attempt to hold by‑elections as an effort to undermine the democratic mandate of these councillors. Nehikhare described the move as a “civilian coup” against the people of Edo State, aimed at seizing control of the councils and destabilising grassroots governance.
The controversy began on 25 August 2025, when the State House of Assembly passed a resolution directing EDSIEC to conduct by‑elections in all seats where councillors were alleged to have abandoned their responsibilities since January 2025. Lawmakers gave EDSIEC three weeks to carry out the elections, with the winners’ tenure set to end at the same time as the current office‑holders.
The PDP’s rejection highlights the ongoing tension between the state government and the opposition party, raising concerns about the stability of grassroots governance in Edo State and the potential for further political unrest. As events unfold, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to the PDP’s opposition and whether the scheduled by‑elections will proceed.
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