The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) on Monday formally presented Certificates of Return to winners of the recently concluded councillorship by-elections held on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Commission’s headquarters on Airport Road, GRA, Benin City, where Ovuchor Suleiman handed out the certificates on behalf of EDSIEC Chairman, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan.
While several victorious candidates were on hand to collect their certificates, others were absent and did not pick up theirs during the event.
Legal Controversy
The certification ceremony brings to a close the highly controversial by-elections, which proceeded despite a High Court ex parte order restraining EDSIEC from conducting the polls. The Commission, however, had already filed a motion on notice seeking a judicial review of that order.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 19, just a day before voting, EDSIEC reaffirmed its decision to go ahead, citing legal justification for proceeding.
APC Sweeps All Seats
With the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the sole participant in the exercise, the party won all 59 councillorship seats across 15 local government areas, filling vacant positions without contest.
