By Charles Pemu 
An Edo State High Court in Benin City has issued an interim order restraining the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) and the state government from proceeding with the planned local government by-elections. The elections were scheduled to fill vacant councillorship positions in 59 wards across the state.
Justice Mary E. Itsueli granted the order following an ex parte motion filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP argued that the tenures of the sitting councilors are valid until September 2026, making any declaration of their seats as vacant unlawful and premature.
The court’s ruling, dated September 16, 2025, temporarily halts all activities related to the by-elections, pending the hearing and determination of a formal motion for judicial review. The case has been referred to the Chief Judge for assignment to a regular court, with a return date set for September 30, 2025. This decision provides a temporary victory for the PDP and puts a stop to the by-elections, at least for now.