The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the proposed by-elections into local government councils in the state, describing the move as illegal and unconstitutional.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, stated this in Benin on Monday, noting that the announcement by the state Independent Electoral Commission violated a subsisting court order.
“The body or group of persons parading themselves as organisers of this exercise are unknown to law and lack the authority or powers to conduct elections of this nature,” Nehikhare said.
He stressed that there was no vacancy in the councils, as duly elected councillors were still serving in all 192 wards of the state, with their tenure due to expire in September 2026.
Nehikhare accused the state government of undermining democratic principles and judicial pronouncements, describing the planned polls as a “civilian coup” aimed at destabilising grassroots governance.
“We view this action as nothing short of a civilian coup against the people of Edo. It is an attempt to seize control of our councils by hook or by crook,” he said.
The PDP urged the state government to retrace its steps, respect the rule of law, and avoid plunging Edo into political crisis.
(NAN)
