An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has issued an order stopping the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) and the state government from proceeding with the scheduled local government by-elections in 59 wards across the state.
Justice Mary E. Itsueli, serving as a vacation judge, granted the interim injunction in response to an ex parte motion filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The party was represented by legal counsel Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, Michael Ekwemuka, and P.W. Akwuen.
In the motion (Suit No: B/247M/2025), the PDP sought leave to initiate a judicial review of EDSIEC’s decision to hold by-elections for councillorship positions, arguing that the current councillors still have valid tenures that run until September 2026.
The party maintained that any declaration of their seats as vacant was unlawful.
In a certified true copy of the ruling dated September 16, 2025, Justice Itsueli ordered a suspension of any further actions related to the planned elections.
“The Respondents are to stay further actions and are restrained from conducting the election or taking any further steps in connection with the planned Local Government by-election across 59 wards… particularly as it relates to the seats/offices of the duly elected Councillors in their respective wards,” the judge ruled.
The matter has been referred to the Chief Judge of Edo State for assignment to a regular court.
A return date has been set for September 30, 2025.
