Court halts Edo LG by-election in 59 wards  

A Benin City High Court in Edo State has stopped the conduct of local government by-elections earlier scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Justice Mary Itsueli, sitting as a vacation judge, restrained the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), the state government, and the Attorney General from proceeding with the exercise following an ex-parte application filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP, represented by counsels Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, Michael Ekwemuka, and P. W. Akwuen, argued that the tenure of the councillors in the 59 affected wards remains valid until September 2026, making any attempt to declare their seats vacant illegal.

In suit number B/247M/2025, the party sought leave to apply for judicial review of EDSIEC’s decision, asking the court to restrain the commission from taking further steps on the planned elections.

Justice Itsueli, after considering the application, granted leave for the judicial review and ordered the respondents to suspend all actions relating to the election pending determination of the substantive suit.

The judge further referred the matter to the Chief Judge of Edo State for reassignment to a regular court and fixed September 30, 2025, for the return date.