EDSIEC Defies Court Order, Conducts By-Elections in Edo

Despite a court order restraining it, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) proceeded with conducting by-elections for councillors across 59 wards in Edo State. The exercise, boycotted by most political parties except the ruling Progressives Congress (APC), aimed to fill vacant councillorship seats.

The Edo State House of Assembly supported the move to address the local government crisis. Justice Mary Itsueli had issued the restraining order following a motion by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the legality of the planned elections.

The PDP argued that the councillors' tenure remains valid until September 2026.