PDP and ADC faction boycott Edo local elections on July 11

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will boycott the local government elections in Edo State scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026. The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has confirmed that 12 other political parties are cleared to contest the polls across the state's 18 local government areas.

The PDP announced its decision on Thursday, July 9, stating it would neither field candidates nor participate in the exercise. In a statement, the party's chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, argued the election process is rooted in constitutional violations. He cited the state government's dissolution of democratically elected local council officials and their replacement with caretaker committees, which he said contravenes Section 71 of the 1999 Constitution. Aziegbemi also faulted the dissolution of the previous EDSIEC management before its tenure expired and alleged the state has disobeyed eight High Court judgments related to the election. He directed all party members and supporters to refrain from participating, vowing to pursue lawful means to defend democracy.

Similarly, a faction of the ADC led by Kennedy Odion...