The party said that any attempt to conduct a local government by- election, while there is a pending court case against the new Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) Jonathan Aifoubhokhan amounts to contempt of court.
Wawareporters recall that former chairman of EDISEC, Justice James Oyomire (rtd.), and six others were removed by Governor Monday Okpebolo and replaced by Jonathan Aifoubhokhan on the 17th of December, 2024 prompting them to seek redress at the National Industrial Court, Benin Division.
On the other hand, the Edo State House of Assembly on August, 29th 2025 passed a resolution mandating the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to organize by-elections to fill vacant councillorship seats.
A statement issued by Chris Nehikhare ,Publicity Secretary, Caretaker Committee
PDP Edo State , warned that any “election conducted under this illegal arrangement will be null, void, and of no effect.” He maintained that, “It will be resisted with every legitimate and democratic means available to us and to the good people of Edo State.”
Nehihkare said.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, once again draws the attention of Edo people, the judiciary, and the general public to the brazen illegality being perpetrated by the Monday Okpebholo-led State Government in its desperate push to conduct a kangaroo bye-election for local councils.
“We remind all stakeholders that the so-called Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), currently being paraded as the electoral umpire, is itself the subject of a subsisting court case before Justice A.A. Adewemimo of the National Industrial Court, Benin Division.
“In Suit No. NICN/B/03/2025, filed by the former EDSIEC Chairman, Hon. Justice James Uyi Oyomire (rtd.), and six other constitutionally appointed members, theNational Industrial Court, Benin Division, issued a restraining order on July 22, 2025.
That order explicitly directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the matter.
“This means that no new commission can be inaugurated, and no electoral timetable can be issued, let alone any election being conducted, until the case is decided. The court was categorical that parties must refrain from actions capable of rendering its final judgement nugatory.”
Continuing, the PDP said,
“shockingly, despite this clear and binding order, the Edo State Government and its agents are attempting to conduct a bye-election through the back door, using persons whose very legitimacy is under judicial scrutiny. This is not only contempt of court but also a reckless attempt to subvert the Constitution, spit on due process, and destabilize grassroots governance.
“The claimants in the suit were appointed on March 23, 2022, for a fixed five-year tenure, expiring in March 2027. They were unlawfully removed without due process, in flagrant breach of constitutional provisions. They are also demanding nearly ₦500 million in unpaid entitlements, plus aggravated damages and legal costs. Yet, rather than respect the courts and allow justice to run its course, the State Government is engaged in what can only be described as a civilian coup against democracy in Edo State.
“The Edo PDP warns that any election conducted under this illegal arrangement will be null, void, and of no effect. It will be resisted with every legitimate and democratic means available to us and to the good people of Edo State.
“We call on Governor Okpebholo, the Attorney-General, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and all those complicit in this plot to retrace their steps. Edo is not a lawless enclave. The rule of law must prevail. Democracy is too sacred to be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation.” He concluded.
