Violence halts NULGE election in Edo

The Edo State Local Government Commission has suspended the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) elections after violent clashes and gunfire disrupted the process in some councils.

The elections, which took place simultaneously across all 18 local government areas on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, turned chaotic in Uhunmwode and Igueben, where suspected thugs stormed polling venues. Reports say staff members were injured after shots were fired, while delegates who resisted voting for certain candidates were beaten and chased away.

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According to eyewitnesses, the violence stemmed from alleged attempts to impose preferred candidates. A delegate identified as Esohe claimed that a council chairman had drawn up a list of handpicked executives for NULGE in his area. Trouble reportedly began when the chairman’s favored candidate realized he was losing, prompting thugs to invade, fire gunshots, scatter delegates, and destroy ballot boxes.

In response to the unrest, the Local Government Commission issued a letter to the NULGE state president, ordering the immediate suspension of the elections. The letter, signed by commission secretary Odigie George, cited mounting petitions, disputes, and threats to peace within the Unified Local Government Service as reasons for the decision.

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George highlighted the security breach in Uhunmwode, which was captured in viral videos showing staff being attacked. “In light of the foregoing, and to safeguard peace, security, and industrial harmony, the Commission hereby announces the immediate postponement of all ongoing NULGE branch elections pending further consultations with stakeholders,” the letter read.