The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party on Monday condemned the move by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission to hold the local government election in July 2026.
On December 19, the Edo State House of Assembly, led by Blessing Agbebaku, dismissed the Chairmen of all 18 Local Government Areas in the state, following directives from the state governor, Monday Okpebholo.
The Assembly further instructed the leaders of the legislative arms in each council to assume leadership responsibilities.
This decision to suspend the council chairmen and their deputies was based on a motion moved by Isibor Adeh, representing Esan North East 1, and seconded by Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko-Edo 2.
Okpebholo had earlier petitioned the House, accusing the council chairmen of refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
However, the chairmen approached the High Court in Benin, and their removal was declared illegal.
They also ordered their reinstatement, which was ignored by the state government.
However, the state PDP Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary, Chris, in a statement, said the move was illegal, unconstitutional, and a blatant disregard of a subsisting court order.
The statement read, “The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State, has been drawn to the recent announcement of purported dates for bye-elections into local government councils in our state. We categorically state that such a move is illegal, unconstitutional, and a blatant disregard of a subsisting court order. The so-called body or group of persons parading themselves as organisers of this exercise are unknown to the law and lack the authority or powers to conduct elections of this nature.
“Even more worrisome is the fact that Edo State already has duly elected councillors who are currently serving in the 192 wards across the state. Their tenure lawfully expires in September 2026, and no contrived process can truncate this democratic mandate. It is unfortunate and deeply disturbing that the Edo State Government and its agents have continued to run the state in open breach of the law, in utter contempt of judicial pronouncements, and in total disregard for democratic norms.
“We view this action as nothing short of a civilian coup against the people of Edo State. It is an attempt to seize control of our councils by hook or by crook, thereby undermining the will of the people and destabilising grassroots governance.
“The Edo PDP, along with well-meaning citizens of the state, rejects and condemns this illegality in its entirety. We call on the Government to retrace its steps, respect the rule of law, and desist from plunging Edo into an avoidable political crisis.”
Nehikhare said that democracy must be defended, and the people’s mandate must not be sacrificed on the altar of desperation.
PUNCH
