Edo State has been engulfed in political turbulence after the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) conducted controversial by-elections across 59 wards, a move that has sparked a series of impeachment notices against acting chairmen in the local councils.
These developments follow the swearing-in of newly elected ward councillors on Saturday, sparking fears of widespread political instability.
Despite resistance from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), EDSIEC pushed forward with the by-elections, which were held for vacant ward seats as declared by the Edo State House of Assembly. By 7 a.m. on the election day, newly elected councillors were already at EDSIEC’s Benin City office to receive their Certificates of Return.
However, the mood shifted quickly when reports emerged from various local council areas indicating that acting chairmen were served impeachment notices soon after the councillors were sworn in. Esan West’s Acting Chairman, Godsent Agboibo, and Orhionmwon’s Acting Chairman, Daniel Osariemen, both resigned in the wake of the development. Osariemen, in his resignation letter, assured he would continue to serve as a councillor for Igbanke West Ward 12, thanking party leaders for the opportunity to serve as council chairman.
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In Etsako East Local Council, Acting Chairman Solomon Oghuma, facing mounting pressure, called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene, alleging that the move to impeach him was designed to create chaos within the ruling party. At the time of writing, Uhunmwonde’s Acting Chairman had also reportedly received an impeachment notice.
The political unrest continued as EDSIEC’s Chairman, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by Dr. Ikhuoriah Solomon, swore in the newly elected councillors, urging them to prioritize proper representation for their constituents.
However, the ruling PDP launched a contempt case against EDSIEC following its defiance of a court order issued by Justice Mary Itsueli of the Edo State High Court on September 16, 2025.
Despite the court’s restraining order preventing the conduct of the election, EDSIEC proceeded with the by-election.
The PDP has now taken legal action, accusing the electoral commission of contempt for blatantly ignoring the court’s directive. In response, EDSIEC’s actions have been condemned by the PDP, which described the elections as a “sham exercise” carried out with reckless disregard for the law.
