The Edo State PDP has cautioned Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration against conducting local council bye-elections with the disputed EDSIEC, calling it a clear contempt of court. The party insists the pending case before Justice A.A. Adewemimo makes any election exercise null and void, warning of democratic resistance if disregarded.
Press Release
September 2, 2025
Edo PDP warns: conducting bye-election using disputed EDSIEC is illegal, contemptuous of court
subject of a subsisting court case before Justice A.A. Adewemimo
pending court case renders local council bye-election null and void
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, once again draws the attention of Edo people, the judiciary, and the general public to the brazen illegality being perpetrated by the Monday Okpebholo-led State Government in its desperate push to conduct a kangaroo bye-election for local councils.
We remind all stakeholders that the so-called Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), currently being paraded as the electoral umpire, is itself the subject of a subsisting court case before Justice A.A. Adewemimo of the National Industrial Court, Benin Division.
In Suit No. NICN/B/03/2025, filed by the former EDSIEC Chairman, Hon. Justice James Uyi Oyomire (rtd.), and six other constitutionally appointed members, the National Industrial Court, Benin Division, issued a restraining order on July 22, 2025. That order explicitly directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the matter.
This means that no new commission can be inaugurated, and no electoral timetable can be issued, let alone any election being conducted, until the case is decided. The court was categorical that parties must refrain from actions capable of rendering its final judgement nugatory.
Shockingly, despite this clear and binding order, the Edo State Government and its agents are attempting to conduct a bye-election through the back door, using persons whose very legitimacy is under judicial scrutiny. This is not only contempt of court but also a reckless attempt to subvert the Constitution, spit on due process, and destabilize grassroots governance.
The claimants in the suit were appointed on March 23, 2022, for a fixed five-year tenure, expiring in March 2027. They were unlawfully removed without due process, in flagrant breach of constitutional provisions. They are also demanding nearly ₦500 million in unpaid entitlements, plus aggravated damages and legal costs. Yet, rather than respect the courts and allow justice to run its course, the State Government is engaged in what can only be described as a civilian coup against democracy in Edo State.
The Edo PDP warns that any election conducted under this illegal arrangement will be null, void, and of no effect. It will be resisted with every legitimate and democratic means available to us and to the good people of Edo State.
We call on Governor Okpebholo, the Attorney-General, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and all those complicit in this plot to retrace their steps. Edo is not a lawless enclave. The rule of law must prevail.
Democracy is too sacred to be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation.
Signed
Chris Osa Nehikhare
Publicity Secretary, Caretaker Committee
PDP Edo State
