The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has petitioned the State Police Command, urging it to refrain from participating in the local government by-election into the 59 wards being organised by the state’s electoral commission.

UGAMATV reports that Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, wrote the petition to the Commissioner of Police in the Command.

The letter, dated September 19, 2025, is titled: “Re: Request to Refrain From Participation in Illegal Local Government Bye-Elections purportedly being organised by EDSIEC.”

Aziegbemi said the petition follows an order granted to the party by Justice Mary Itsueli of the State High Court, sitting in Benin City, which restrained the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, and the state government from conducting the by-election slated for Saturday, September 20, 2025.

He argued that any participation by security agencies in the purported elections would amount to aiding and abetting contempt of court and undermining the rule of law.

He maintained that, as a neutral institution of state committed to upholding law and order, the Command should ensure its men and officers do not participate in or provide security for the unlawful process.

The PDP caretaker committee chairman, however, advised the command that the integrity of democracy, the sanctity of judicial pronouncements, and the credibility of security institutions must be preserved.

He explained that Justice Itsueli’s order of Tuesday, September 17, 2025, in Suit No. B/247M/2025, restrained EDSIEC and the state government from proceeding with the planned by-elections.

Aziegbemi said the judge, who is sitting as a vacation judge of the Edo State High Court, held that the tenures of the duly elected councillors in the affected wards subsist until September 2026.

He asserted that any attempt to declare their seats vacant or to conduct fresh elections would be unlawful and unconstitutional.

“The Court categorically ordered that the Respondents ‘are to stay further actions and are restrained from conducting the election or taking any further steps in connection with the planned Local Government by-election across 59 wards in the Local Government Areas of Edo State, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

“The matter has since been referred to the Honourable Chief Judge for assignment to a regular court, with a return date fixed for 30 September 2025,” he added.