The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has strongly condemned the move by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct local government elections in July 2026.
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The controversy began after the Edo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, dismissed all 18 council chairmen on December 19, following directives from Governor Monday Okpebholo. The Assembly asked the leaders of legislative arms in each council to take over leadership duties. The decision was based on a motion raised by Isibor Adeh of Esan North East 1 and supported by Donald Okogbe of Akoko-Edo 2.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Governor Okpebholo had accused the council chairmen of failing to submit financial records to the state government. In response, the affected chairmen challenged their removal in court, and the High Court in Benin declared the action illegal and ordered their reinstatement. The state government, however, did not comply with the ruling.
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LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
The PDP, through a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare, described the planned election as unlawful and a violation of a valid court order. The party argued that those pushing the process lacked legal authority to conduct elections and accused the government of attempting to bypass democratic norms.
The party also pointed out that elected councillors are already in office across 192 wards in the state, with their tenure due to end in September 2026. It insisted that no political maneuvering should cut short their mandate.
The PDP warned that the planned election amounted to a civilian coup aimed at forcefully seizing control of local councils, thereby undermining grassroots governance. It accused the government of ignoring judicial pronouncements and running the state in open defiance of the rule of law.
The party vowed to resist the move, urging the state government to retrace its steps, respect democratic institutions, and prevent Edo from sliding into political unrest. It stressed that democracy in the state must be defended and the will of the people protected from what it described as reckless political desperation.
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