The Edo State Local Government Service Commission has ordered the immediate suspension of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees elections following reports of violent disruptions, including gunshots and physical attacks, during the exercise.
The elections, which were scheduled to hold simultaneously across all 18 local government areas on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, reportedly turned chaotic in some locations.
Armed thugs were said to have invaded election venues, particularly in Uhunmwode and Igueben local government areas, where several staff members were allegedly injured during the violence.
Eyewitnesses reported that delegates who refused to support certain candidates were assaulted and driven away from the voting centres amid sporadic gunfire. In one of the affected areas, delegates claimed the crisis was triggered by attempts to impose candidates.
A delegate identified as Esohe alleged that “a particular council chairman wrote the names of candidates he wanted to emerge as executives of NULGE in the council.”
Tensions reportedly escalated when a candidate backed by the said chairman began trailing behind in the vote count. Suspected thugs then stormed the venue, opened fire, dispersed delegates, and destroyed ballot boxes.
In response to the unrest, the Edo State Local Government Service Commission issued a directive suspending the elections with immediate effect.
In a letter addressed to the state president of NULGE, the Commission cited a rise in petitions, internal disputes, and increasing unrest among local government staff as key reasons for the suspension.
The letter, signed by the Commission’s secretary, Odigie George, expressed concern over the security breach at Uhunmwode Local Government Council, where shootings and injuries were confirmed, with video footage of the incident reportedly circulating online.
“In the light of the foregoing and in order to safeguard the peace, security, and industrial relations of staff, the Commission hereby announces the immediate postponement of all ongoing NULGE branch elections pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders,” George stated.
