PDP institutes contempt case against EDSIEC, state govt
There was tension in Edo State local councils as indications emerged of a possible impeachment, resignation, or suspension of the current council acting chairmen following the swearing in of some ward councillors elected last Saturday.
Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), despite protests from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last Saturday, proceeded to conduct by-elections for 59 ward seats declared vacant by the Edo State House of Assembly.
As early as 07:00 a.m., the elected councillors were already at the office of EDSIEC situated along Airport Road, Benin City, to receive their Certificates of Return.
Shortly after, reports in some local council areas indicated that some of the acting chairmen had been served impeachment notices.
Following the development, Esan West Local Council Chairman, Godsent Agboibo, and Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Council Area, Daniel Osariemen, resigned voluntarily.
Osariemen, in his resignation letter, stated that he would continue to serve in his capacity as councillor representing Igbanke West Ward 12, expressing appreciation to leaders of the party for the opportunity to serve as council chairman.
In Etsako East Local Council, the Acting Chairman, Solomon Oghuma, gripped by fear, called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to stop the move, alleging that it was being done to cause chaos in the party.
At the time of filing this report, it was gathered that an impeachment notice had been served on the Chairman of the Uhunmwonde Local Council.
Meanwhile, EDSIEC Chairman, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by Dr Ikhuoriah Solomon at the swearing-in, urged the elected councillors to give proper representation to the people.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced a contempt case against EDSIEC, following the conduct of by-elections across 59 wards in the state.
Justice Mary Itsueli of an Edo State High Court, on September 16, 2025, restrained the commission and the state government from conducting the election.
The Judge had, in an ex parte motion brought by the PDP, held that the applicants had shown sufficient grounds for the court to intervene.
The judge also referred the matter to the Chief Judge of Edo State for reassignment to a regular court, fixing September 30, 2025, for the return date.
In spite of the ruling, EDSIEC went ahead with the conduct of the election in the affected wards. The All Progressives Congress (APC) was the only party that fielded candidates and participated in the elections that were held on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Reacting in a statement titled, “Impostors defiantly went ahead to stage a sham exercise in reckless disregard for the law,” the PDP said it has directed its legal teams to commence contempt proceedings against EDSIEC.
