The Court interrupts the Edo conceptual elections in 59 departments

A high court of Benin City in the state of Edo stopped the conduct of the secondary elections of the local government scheduled for Saturday 20 September 2025.

Judge Mary Itsueli, sitting as a holiday judge, retained the independent electoral commission of the Edo State (Edsiec), the state government and the attorney general to proceed with the exercise following an ex -party application presented by the Democratic Party of people (PDP).

The PDP, represented by Counsels Oluwole Osze Uzzi, Michael Ekwemuka and PW Akwuen, argued that the mandate of the councilors in the 59 affected departments remained valid until September 2026, making any attempt to declare illegal of their places.

In the number of reasons B/247m/2025, the party has tried permission to request a judicial review of Edsiec’s decision, asking the Court to prevent the Commission from taking further steps on the elections provided.

The justice, after considering the application, granted the leave for the judicial review and ordered the interviewees to suspend all the actions relating to the elections pending determination of the substantial case.

The judge also addressed the question to the Edo chief judge for reassignment to a regular court and set on September 30, 2025, for the return date.