Edo PDP Condemns EDSIEC Plan To Conduct Council Bye-Elections

…Says bye-election is a kangaroo exercise by kangaroo EDSIEC

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to a recent announcement by Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) that it has released dates for bye-elections into local government councils in the state.

Recall The9JaTREND last week reported that EDSIEC has released the time table and schedule of activities to conduct 2025 Councillorship By-Election across nine (9) Local Government Council in the state.

In a statement signed by Chris Osa Nehikhare, State Publicity Secretary (SPS) of the PDP Caretaker Committee and made available to newsmen stated that such move is illegal, unconstitutional, and a blatant disregard of a subsisting court order.

The statement read in parts:

“The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 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 organizers of this exercise are unknown to 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 destabilizing grassroots governance.

“The Edo PDP, along with well-meaning citizens of our dear 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 avoidable political crisis.

“Democracy must be defended, and the people’s mandate must not be sacrificed on the altar of desperation.”