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Local government

Edo State Local Government Elections Halted by Federal High Court

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction against the Edo State government from conducting its scheduled local government elections on April 19. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had filed an experte application challenging the validity of the Edo State Electoral Amendment Law, which they claim is inconsistent with the Electoral Amendment Act 2022 signed by President Mohammadu Buhari. The court, presided over by Justice Taiwo Taiwo, ruled in favor of the PDP, restraining the Edo State government from proceeding with the elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal High Court has issued an injunction against the Edo State government from conducting its local government elections on April 19.
  • The court ruled in favor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which challenged the validity of the Edo State Electoral Amendment Law.
  • The PDP argued that the review of the Electoral Amendment Act by the Edo State House of Assembly is in contrast with the provisions of the Electoral Act as amended by the National Assembly.
  • The court has restrained all Edo State agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from giving effect to the amended law pending the determination of the suit.
  • The matter has been fixed for hearing on April 14.
  • The court's ruling has significant implications for the Edo State government's plans to conduct local government elections.

Statistics:

  • April 19: date originally scheduled for the local government elections in Edo State.
  • April 14: date set for hearing on the substantive suit by the court.
  • 15 days: time frame provided by the Edo State Electoral Amendment Law for political parties to conduct primary elections, send names to candidates to INEC, and campaign before the elections.
  • 150 days: time frame provided by the Electoral Amendment Act 2022 for political parties to conduct primary elections and other activities before the elections.

Sources:

  • [Adamu Abuh, "Court Restrains Edo Government from Conducting LG Elections", Vanguard, March 2023]
  • [Toluse Olorunnipa, "Edo State Govt Orders Suspension of LG Polls", The Nation, March 2023]
  • [Leke Baiyewu, "Court Restrains Edo Govt from Conducting LG Polls", Punch, March 2023]

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