The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) presented Certificates of Return to the successful councillorship candidates from the by‑elections held on 20 September 2025. The certificates were issued at the commission’s headquarters in Benin City by Ovuchor Suleiman, acting on behalf of EDSIEC Chairman Jonathan Aifuobhokhan. Several candidates attended the ceremony to collect their certificates, while others were absent and did not receive them.
The presentation marks the official conclusion of a contentious by‑election that proceeded despite a High Court order directing EDSIEC to suspend the exercise. The commission challenged the order, filing a motion on notice and asserting that it did not affect its constitutional mandate to conduct the elections. Consequently, EDSIEC announced its decision to go ahead with the polls based on its legal position.
Major opposition parties boycotted the by‑elections, leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the sole contender. As a result, the APC secured all 59 councillorship seats across 15 local government areas—a result that had been largely anticipated given the absence of opposition. The elections, held on 20 September 2025, therefore produced a clean sweep for the APC.
The EDSIEC maintains that it acted in accordance with the law and its constitutional duties in conducting the by‑elections. The presentation of certificates to the winning candidates brings an end to an electoral process that was marked by controversy and opposition from some quarters. The outcome is expected to consolidate the APC’s position in Edo State’s local government areas and influence the state’s political landscape.
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