By Jethro Ibileke
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo, on Monday said it has instructed its legal team to commence contempt proceedings against the Chairman, members of Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) and the State Attorney-General, for going ahead to conduct last Saturday’s local government by-election.
The party described the by-election as a brazen illegality, contemptuous, direct assault on the judiciary, and a calculated attempt to plunge the State into lawlessness.
The election was conducted despite protests from the opposition PDP, which obtained a court order suspending the election.
But the EDSIEC, in a press statement, said the order was granted without affording it to be heard and that it has taken steps through its legal representatives to file a motion on notice “seeking to discharge the ex parte order and ensure accelerated hearing of the substantive suit.”
PDP, in a statement on Monday by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, noted that despite a clear and subsisting order of the State High Court and the National Industrial Court restraining them from conducting any local government election, the EDSIEC went ahead with the election.
“This act is nothing short of contemptuous, a direct assault on the judiciary, and a calculated attempt to plunge Edo State into lawlessness. The deliberate disobedience of lawful court orders by public officers who swore to uphold the Constitution is shameful, irresponsible, and cannot go unpunished.
“Accordingly, the Edo PDP has instructed its legal team to immediately commence contempt proceedings against the Chairman and members of EDSIEC, as well as the Attorney-General of Edo State, for their willful disobedience of valid court orders. They must be held personally accountable before the law.
“We wish to assure the people of Edo State that the PDP will continue to stand firm in defence of democracy and the rule of law. We will not allow impostors and collaborators in government to trample on the courts and undermine the will of the people.
“Democracy cannot survive where court orders are ignored with impunity. The courts have spoken. The law must prevail,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the 63 elected local government councillors in Saturday’s by-election.
EDSIEC Chairman, Mr Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, who was represented by Ikhuoriah Solomon, urged the elected councillors to give proper representation to the people.
“The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process.
“Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their various wards.
“To our elected Councillors, congratulations once again. Your victory at the polls reflects the confidence your people have in your ability to represent them. May this Certificate of Return not just be a symbol of success, but a call to action,” he said.
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