Edo Councilors Receive Certificates of Return Amid Resignation and Impeachment Tensions

Despite opposition protests, all 63 councillors elected in last Saturday’s Edo State by-election have received their Certificates of Return from the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), even as fears of impeachment, resignations, and suspensions loom in some local government councils.

The polls, conducted by EDSIEC, went ahead despite the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) securing a court order to suspend the exercise. In a statement, the Commission said the order was issued without allowing it to be heard and disclosed that its legal team had filed a motion seeking to vacate the order and secure an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit.

By 7 a.m. on Monday, the newly elected councillors gathered at the EDSIEC headquarters along Airport Road, Benin City, where Commission Chairman Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, represented by Hon. (Dr.) Ikhuoriah Solomon, presented the certificates and urged them to provide quality representation.

“The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process. Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into — to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their wards.

“To our elected councilors, congratulations once again. Your victory at the polls reflects the confidence your people have in your ability to represent them. May this Certificate of Return not just be a symbol of success, but a call to action,” Solomon said.

However, shortly after the issuance of certificates, reports emerged of mounting political tension in some local governments. In Esan West, Acting Chairman Godsent Agboibo resigned from office, while in other areas, impeachment notices were reportedly served on acting council chairmen.

In Etsako East, Acting Chairman Solomon Oghuma alleged pressure to step down. He appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene, claiming the threat was aimed at destabilizing the party.

“I was told that I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councillors to remove me. I have enquired from the House of Assembly, and they said they did not give any such directive. I know it is only the House of Assembly and the governor that have such powers,” Oghuma said.

Reacting to the development, Dirisu Otinomo, former Edo North Senatorial Youth Leader of the APC, warned that the crisis could destabilize the party.

“The people of Etsako East are not happy because somebody who is not from Etsako East cannot impose a chairman on the local government. If care is not taken, this could cause a crisis. I am calling on the peace-loving governor of the state to stop this move,” Otinomo cautioned.

At the time of filing this report, it was also gathered that an impeachment notice had been served on the chairman of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

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