Politics
PDP's rejection of Edo LG By-Elections: A misguided stance?
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
01 Sep 2025 05:50 PM
The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has sparked controversy by vehemently opposing the proposed by-elections for local government councils, labeling the exercise as "illegal and unconstitutional."
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP claimed that the planned elections, announced by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), violate a subsisting court order and undermine democratic principles.
However, this position has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts, civic groups, and even some within the PDP, who argue that the party’s stance is misleading, politically motivated, and potentially disruptive to grassroots governance in Edo State.
The PDP's primary contention is that the by-elections are unlawful because there are no vacancies in the 192 wards across Edo State, as elected councillors are still serving with tenures set to expire in September 2026.
Additionally, the party claims that EDSIEC lacks the legal authority to conduct such elections, citing a court order that allegedly prohibits the exercise. However, critics point out that the PDP has failed to provide clear evidence of this court order or specify how EDSIEC’s actions contravene it.
Section 12, Subsection 1 of the Edo State Local Government Laws 2000 (as amended in 2022) empowers EDSIEC to conduct by-elections when necessary, such as in cases where councillors have abandoned their posts or failed to fulfill their duties.
The Edo State House of Assembly, in a motion supported by both APC and PDP lawmakers, including Hon. Natasha Orobosa Osawaru (PDP), recently mandated EDSIEC to organize these by-elections to address the absence of councillors in certain wards.
This bipartisan support undermines the PDP’s narrative of a "civilian coup" and suggests that the party’s opposition may be more about political maneuvering than legal concerns.
Critics argue that the PDP’s rejection of the by-elections is a desperate attempt to cling to power at the grassroots level following their loss in the September 2024 gubernatorial election.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, defeated the PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, ending the PDP’s eight-year control of the state government.
Political commentator Abdulahi Izuagbe suggests that the PDP’s resistance is driven by fear of losing further influence in local councils, which are critical for mobilizing support ahead of future elections.“The PDP’s claim of protecting democracy is ironic,” Abdulahi stated.
“They swept all 18 local government chairmanship seats in the 2023 council elections, a result that many questioned for its lack of competitiveness. Now, they seem determined to block any process that could loosen their grip on local governance.”
He added that the party’s refusal to acknowledge reported vacancies in the councils—whether due to councillors’ abandonment or other factors—raises questions about their commitment to transparent governance.
The PDP’s description of the by-elections as a “civilian coup” has also been met with skepticism. Civic groups argue that the party’s rhetoric is inflammatory and risks escalating political tensions in the state.
While the PDP has called on the state government to “retrace its steps” and respect the rule of law, critics urge the party to adopt a more constructive approach.
Rather than resorting to blanket condemnation, the PDP could challenge specific aspects of the process through legal channels or engage in dialogue with EDSIEC and the state government to ensure transparency.
The party’s current stance, however, risks alienating voters who view the by-elections as an opportunity to address governance gaps at the local level.
The APC, in response, has maintained that the by-elections are necessary to uphold democratic principles and ensure that wards without active councillors are not left unrepresented.
The state government has also called for calm, urging all parties to await EDSIEC’s official processes and respect the rule of law.
The Edo PDP’s outright rejection of the proposed local government by-elections has raised more questions than answers. By failing to provide clear evidence of legal violations and resorting to provocative rhetoric, the party risks being seen as obstructing democratic processes for political gain.
As Edo State navigates this sensitive period, the PDP would do well to prioritize dialogue, transparency, and the interests of the electorate over partisan brinkmanship.
The people of Edo deserve a local government system that functions effectively, and any attempt to derail that process—whether by the PDP or any other party—should be met with scrutiny and accountability.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP claimed that the planned elections, announced by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), violate a subsisting court order and undermine democratic principles.
However, this position has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts, civic groups, and even some within the PDP, who argue that the party’s stance is misleading, politically motivated, and potentially disruptive to grassroots governance in Edo State.
The PDP's primary contention is that the by-elections are unlawful because there are no vacancies in the 192 wards across Edo State, as elected councillors are still serving with tenures set to expire in September 2026.
Additionally, the party claims that EDSIEC lacks the legal authority to conduct such elections, citing a court order that allegedly prohibits the exercise. However, critics point out that the PDP has failed to provide clear evidence of this court order or specify how EDSIEC’s actions contravene it.
Section 12, Subsection 1 of the Edo State Local Government Laws 2000 (as amended in 2022) empowers EDSIEC to conduct by-elections when necessary, such as in cases where councillors have abandoned their posts or failed to fulfill their duties.
The Edo State House of Assembly, in a motion supported by both APC and PDP lawmakers, including Hon. Natasha Orobosa Osawaru (PDP), recently mandated EDSIEC to organize these by-elections to address the absence of councillors in certain wards.
This bipartisan support undermines the PDP’s narrative of a "civilian coup" and suggests that the party’s opposition may be more about political maneuvering than legal concerns.
Critics argue that the PDP’s rejection of the by-elections is a desperate attempt to cling to power at the grassroots level following their loss in the September 2024 gubernatorial election.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, defeated the PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, ending the PDP’s eight-year control of the state government.
Political commentator Abdulahi Izuagbe suggests that the PDP’s resistance is driven by fear of losing further influence in local councils, which are critical for mobilizing support ahead of future elections.“The PDP’s claim of protecting democracy is ironic,” Abdulahi stated.
“They swept all 18 local government chairmanship seats in the 2023 council elections, a result that many questioned for its lack of competitiveness. Now, they seem determined to block any process that could loosen their grip on local governance.”
He added that the party’s refusal to acknowledge reported vacancies in the councils—whether due to councillors’ abandonment or other factors—raises questions about their commitment to transparent governance.
The PDP’s description of the by-elections as a “civilian coup” has also been met with skepticism. Civic groups argue that the party’s rhetoric is inflammatory and risks escalating political tensions in the state.
While the PDP has called on the state government to “retrace its steps” and respect the rule of law, critics urge the party to adopt a more constructive approach.
Rather than resorting to blanket condemnation, the PDP could challenge specific aspects of the process through legal channels or engage in dialogue with EDSIEC and the state government to ensure transparency.
The party’s current stance, however, risks alienating voters who view the by-elections as an opportunity to address governance gaps at the local level.
The APC, in response, has maintained that the by-elections are necessary to uphold democratic principles and ensure that wards without active councillors are not left unrepresented.
The state government has also called for calm, urging all parties to await EDSIEC’s official processes and respect the rule of law.
The Edo PDP’s outright rejection of the proposed local government by-elections has raised more questions than answers. By failing to provide clear evidence of legal violations and resorting to provocative rhetoric, the party risks being seen as obstructing democratic processes for political gain.
As Edo State navigates this sensitive period, the PDP would do well to prioritize dialogue, transparency, and the interests of the electorate over partisan brinkmanship.
The people of Edo deserve a local government system that functions effectively, and any attempt to derail that process—whether by the PDP or any other party—should be met with scrutiny and accountability.
Comments