The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State have withdrawn from Saturday’s local government election, citing “concerns over the credibility and independence of the electoral process”.
The PDP said on Thursday that it decided to boycott the election because the process is allegedly rooted in illegality and constitutional violations.
In a statement by its Chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, the party said it would neither field candidates nor participate in the exercise.
Aziegbemi argued that the poll followed the dissolution of democratically-elected local government chairmen, vice-chairmen and councillors and their replacement with caretaker committees, contrary to Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
He also faulted dissolution of the previous EDSIEC management before expiration of its tenure by the state.
The PDP chairman further alleged that the state disobeyed eight High Court judgements on issues surrounding the election.
“A process founded on constitutional violations cannot produce a legitimate democratic outcome. We will not legitimise illegality.
“The Edo PDP will not field candidates or participate in the July 11, 2026 local government election,” the chairman stated.
He consequently directed its leaders, members and supporters across the state to refrain from participating in the election, insisting it would continue to pursue lawful and constitutional means to defend democracy and the rule of law.
The ADC, led by Mr Kennedy Odion, in a statement by Mr Osagiede Osaze, the Publicity Secretary, said in Benin that his group particularly had reservations over the election timetable.
“We have also demanded that the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), should demonstrate full independence in the conduct of the exercise,” he added.
He said the concerns were raised during an Inter-Party Advisory Council meeting with EDSIEC Chairman, Mr Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, where political parties discussed preparations for the election.
According to him, the faction informed the commission that the timetable released for the election would not provide sufficient time for parties to prepare in line with electoral guidelines.
Osaze said the party also requested assurances that the election would be conducted transparently and fairly, with all participating political parties given a level playing field.
He said Odion opted to keep the group out of the exercise because he was not convinced that the exercise would provide equal opportunity for all parties.
“There is no point participating in an election whose result has already been determined before the exercise is conducted,” Osaze said.
He, however, clarified that the decision was limited to the local government election and would not affect the party’s participation in subsequent elections, including the governorship and other elections in 2027.
Osaze reaffirmed that ADC was committed to democratic participation, adding that the withdrawal was aimed at drawing attention to the need for credible elections.
He said the party expected EDSIEC to ensure proper deployment of election materials, transparent conduct of voting, credible collation of results and fair declaration of winners.
The local government election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Efforts to speak with the EDSIEC Chairman proved abortive, but an official of the commission said that the election would go on, adding that fears of possible unwholesome practices were unfounded.
The official, who craved anonymity, advised all political parties to participate in the exercise, and assured all of fair play.
Meanwhile, EDSIEC Public Relations Officer, Mr Albert Eguaoje, said in Benin that only 12 political parties fielded candidates for the election into the 18 local government areas of the state.
The parties according to him, are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party, Action People’s Party (APP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Allied People’s Movement (APM).
Others are the Young Progressives Party (YPP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Action Congress (AAC), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Alliance (AA).
Eguaoje said the commission has attained 85 per cent preparedness for the election.
The commission’s spokesperson said distribution of electoral materials would commence later on Thursday, beginning with distant local government areas such as Akoko-Edo.
“Materials for other councils would be dispatched on Friday,” he said.
Eguaoje also announced a restriction of movement from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“Accreditation of voters would be carried out manually, using the voter register obtained from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
He said the commission will not deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the council poll.
According to him, voting, sorting and counting of ballots will also be conducted manually.
He explained that the election would be open ballot system, while results are expected to be declared on Monday.
