The Edo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and National Democratic Congress (NDC) have announced that they will not participate in the local government election scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The election is expected to produce chairmen for the state’s 18 local government areas and 192 ward councillors.
The PDP, led by the Dr. Tony Aziegbemi faction, said its decision followed a meeting of the State Executive Committee held on July 1, 2026, at the party’s secretariat.
In a statement dated July 2, 2026, titled “Illegality Cannot Produce Legitimacy: Edo State PDP Will Not Participate in the July 11, 2026 Local Government Election,” the party said it decided to boycott the election because of its commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, and democratic governance.
According to the PDP, its decision was influenced by the dissolution of elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors and their replacement with caretaker committees, which it said violated Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The party also objected to the dissolution of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) before the end of its tenure and the appointment of a new commission to conduct the election.
It further accused the state government of refusing to obey eight High Court judgments that reinstated elected council chairmen.
Aziegbemi said, “The dissolution of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) before the expiration of its statutory tenure and the appointment of a new commission to conduct the proposed election.
“Refusal to obey eight High Court judgments reinstating elected council chairmen to their offices.”
He maintained that “a process founded on constitutional violations cannot produce a legitimate democratic outcome,” adding, “we will not legitimise illegality.”
According to him, “the PDP cannot, in good conscience, participate in an electoral exercise designed to validate unconstitutional actions. To do so would amount to endorsing lawlessness and betraying the democratic mandate of the people of Edo State.”
He added that the party would not field candidates for the election.
“All units, wards, LGA executives, party leaders, members, and supporters are advised to refrain from participating in the exercise.
“The party will continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional means to defend democracy and protect the mandate of the people,” he stated.
Aziegbemi said the PDP remains committed to defending the Constitution, the rule of law, and the will of the people.
The factional Chairman of the ADC in Edo State, Hon. Kennedy Odion, also confirmed that his party would boycott the election.
He explained that the decision was based on the failure of EDSIEC to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would ensure election materials reached all polling units, wards, and local government areas.
Odion said the agreement was also meant to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election and ensure the commission remained independent, but EDSIEC did not sign it.
Speaking for the NDC, the party’s state secretary, Hon. Peter Ajube, said he was unaware that the party would participate in the election.
According to him, most of the arrangements for the poll had already been concluded before the NDC became active in the state.
