The federal high court in Abuja has restrained Edo state government from conducting local government elections slated for April 19.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo gave the order while ruling on the experte application filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The local government elections in Edo state was challenged through a motion experte application on the grounds that the passage of the Edo state electoral amendment law is at variance with the electoral amendment act 2022 signed into law by President Mohammadu Buhari.
The Edo State electoral amendment law provides 15 days within which political parties can conduct primary elections, send the names of candidates to INEC and campaign before the elections.
In a ruling, Justice Taiwo agreed with the plaintiff that the review of the electoral amendment act by Edo state House of Assembly is in contrast with the provision of the electoral act as amendment by the National Assembly.
The court therefore, restrained Edo state from conducting the local government elections.
Also, the court ordered all the Edo State agencies and INEC from giving effect to the amended law 2022 pending the determination of the suit.
The court has fixed April 14 for hearing on the substantive suit.
Dominica Nwabufo
