HIGH COURT HALTS EDO STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BY-ELECTIONS IN 59 WARDS

A Benin High Court has granted an order restraining the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) from conducting local government by-elections across 59 wards in Edo State. The order was made by Justice Mary E. Itsueli, Vacation Judge, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP sought judicial review of EDSIEC’s decision to hold elections purportedly to fill vacancies in councillor seats sponsored by the party, despite the incumbents’ tenures subsisting until September 2026. “I have given due consideration to this application and submission by Learned Counsel. I have also examined the exhibit placed before court and I am minded to grant the following orders,” Justice Itsueli stated in her ruling.

The court granted two key orders: (1) Leave for PDP to apply for judicial review of EDSIEC’s decision; (2) Respondents (EDSIEC, Edo State Government, Attorney-General) are restrained from conducting the election or further steps pending hearing of the originating motion on notice for judicial review.

The case has been referred to the Chief Judge for assignment to a regular court with a return date of September 30, 2025. Representing PDP were Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, Michael Ekwemuka, and P.W. Akwuen.