Edo Councillors Commence Impeachment of Acting Council Chairmen

A fresh wave of political drama has erupted in Edo State as councillors across the 18 local government areas (LGAs) commenced impeachment proceedings against acting council chairmen. The development, which unfolded on Monday, came less than 24 hours after 59 newly elected councillors were issued Certificates of Return, throwing the state’s local government administration into a new round of power tussles.

According to insiders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, the move is strategically aimed at ensuring that APC members take control of council leadership rather than allowing defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to maintain dominance.

Bugaje Insists: “I Can Confirm That Obasanjo Looked For Third Term”

Impeachments and Resignations Begin

The wave of impeachment proceedings began with Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, where eight councillors formally voted to impeach the Acting Chairman, Hon. Iradia Benjamin. In another dramatic turn, the Acting Chairman of Esan West LGA, Hon. Aigboboh, opted to resign voluntarily rather than face imminent removal by the council’s legislators.

These developments reflect a coordinated effort by the newly empowered councillors to dislodge interim leaders, many of whom were appointed under contentious circumstances following earlier political disputes in the state.

Court Order and Legal Tensions

What makes the unfolding events more controversial is the existence of a subsisting court order restraining the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) and the state government from conducting local government by-elections in 59 wards.

On September 16, 2025, Justice Mary E. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court in Benin granted the restraining order following an ex parte motion filed by the PDP. The PDP’s legal team, comprising Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, Michael Ekwemuka, and P. W. Akwuen, argued that the councillors in those wards still had valid tenure until September 2026.

They contended that any attempt to declare their seats vacant or to conduct fresh elections was unlawful and unconstitutional. The suit, marked B/247M/2025, sought leave for judicial review of EDSIEC’s actions.

Justice Itsueli ruled that the PDP had demonstrated sufficient grounds for judicial intervention and subsequently granted leave for judicial review. The matter was then referred to the Chief Judge of Edo State for reassignment to a regular court for full hearing.

Political Undercurrents

Despite the court order, the APC has moved swiftly to consolidate its influence at the grassroots. Sources within the party suggest that the impeachment efforts are a calculated political strategy to ensure that APC loyalists occupy the top council positions and prevent PDP defectors from maintaining control under the guise of acting leadership.

This approach has sparked concerns about the rule of law, given that the court’s restraining order remains in force. Political analysts argue that if the impeachments proceed unchecked, it could deepen the constitutional crisis between the executive, legislature, and judiciary in Edo State.

The situation also exposes the tension between political expediency and legal processes, as councillors appear determined to assert their authority regardless of judicial restraints.

Implications for Local Governance

The unfolding power struggle is expected to have far-reaching implications for governance at the grassroots. Local government administration, which is closest to the people, may be further destabilized as political battles overshadow service delivery.

In Uhunmwonde, for instance, the removal of Hon. Iradia Benjamin raises questions about continuity in leadership, while in Esan West, Hon. Aigboboh’s resignation signals a climate of fear and uncertainty among other acting chairmen who may face similar challenges.

With the impeachment proceedings likely to spread across other LGAs, Edo State may soon face a situation where multiple councils are left in limbo, struggling with leadership vacuums amid legal battles.

PDP’s Position

The PDP has maintained that the entire process is illegal and designed to circumvent judicial authority. By arguing that councillors elected in 2021 still have tenure until 2026, the party insists that the APC’s push for fresh leadership at the councils undermines democratic structures.

Party leaders have vowed to resist what they describe as an “unconstitutional usurpation of power” and have called on the judiciary to enforce its orders against both EDSIEC and the state government.

Possible Outcomes

The Edo local government crisis now stands at a crossroads. Three possible scenarios could emerge in the coming weeks:

1. Judicial Enforcement – If the courts move swiftly to enforce Justice Itsueli’s order, the impeachment proceedings could be nullified, restoring the tenure of the PDP-backed councillors.
2. Political Negotiation – The APC and PDP may be forced into behind-the-scenes negotiations to avoid prolonged instability, possibly leading to a power-sharing arrangement at the councils.
3. Escalation of Crisis – If neither side backs down, Edo may witness further political unrest, with multiple court cases, protests, and heightened partisan clashes across the state.

The impeachment of acting council chairmen in Edo State marks another chapter in Nigeria’s turbulent local government politics. Less than 24 hours after receiving Certificates of Return, the 59 councillors have set the stage for a showdown between the APC and PDP, challenging the limits of judicial authority and democratic practice.

As the court battle unfolds, ordinary citizens may be the greatest losers, with grassroots governance overshadowed by political brinkmanship. Whether the rule of law will prevail—or whether raw political power will dictate outcomes—remains the critical question for Edo’s democracy in the months ahead.