Edo Assembly orders EDSIEC to conduct by-elections in vacant wards

The Edo State House of Assembly has mandated the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, to organise by-elections to replace councillors who have allegedly abandoned their duties across several wards in the state.

Lawmakers said some councillors had vacated their offices since January 2025, a development they argued contravened Section 12(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law 2000.

It was gathered that the situation is linked to the political tension that engulfed all 18 local government areas after the inauguration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, when several council chairmen came under scrutiny, sparking opposition from many councillors.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Majority Leader, Jonathan Ibhamahu, and seconded by Addeh Isibor.

Ibhamahu stressed the importance of the legislative arm in grassroots administration, warning that democracy was being undermined in affected wards where councillors had abandoned their mandate.

“In Edo, councillors elected by the people have deserted their duty posts for reasons best known to them. The essence of democracy is no longer felt in these wards,” he said.

He added that development at the local level had stalled, leaving residents deprived of governance and representation.

Citing Sections 12(1) and 16 of the Local Government Law 2000, Ibhamahu argued that councillors who fail to attend one-third of council meetings within a calendar year automatically forfeit their seats. He maintained that those absent since January had breached this provision and must be replaced through by-elections.

Supporting the motion, Isibor noted that the prolonged absence of councillors was not only unlawful but also destructive to local government administration.

During debate, majority of lawmakers backed the motion, which was eventually adopted unanimously, directing EDSIEC to immediately set the machinery in motion for by-elections in the affected wards.

Edo Assembly orders EDSIEC to conduct by-elections in vacant wards