The Edo State Local Government Service Commission has suspended the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) elections across the state following reports of violence, gunshots, and alleged manipulation during the exercise.
The election, which was conducted simultaneously across the 18 local government areas of the state on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, turned chaotic in some locations, with suspected political thugs invading polling centres, attacking delegates, and destroying ballot boxes.
The worst-hit areas were Uhunmwode and Igueben local government areas, where thugs reportedly disrupted the elections with gunfire, injuring some staff and chasing others away from the polling venues.
Eyewitnesses say the violence began when it became clear that a candidate backed by a powerful local government chairman was losing the contest to a more popular opponent.
A female delegate identified as Esohe said the crisis was triggered by attempts to forcefully impose certain candidates.
“The council chairman had already written the names of his preferred candidates. But when it became clear that his man was not winning, they brought thugs. They came in, started shooting, and destroyed the ballot boxes,” she said.
The delegates, many of whom had come from distant locations to vote, were forced to flee for their lives. Video clips reportedly showing the gunshots and violence have been circulating online, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation from civil society groups.
In response to the violent incidents and rising tension across councils, the Edo State Local Government Service Commission announced the immediate suspension of the NULGE elections.
In a letter addressed to the President of NULGE in Edo State, the commission cited the growing number of petitions, electoral disputes, and reported unrest among staff of the Unified Local Government Service.
The letter, signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Odigie George, noted that the most serious concern was the reported security breach in Uhunmwode, where staff sustained injuries due to gunfire.
“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,” the letter stated.
Sources within the NULGE structure allege that some local government chairmen are interfering in union affairs by attempting to handpick loyalists into key executive positions.
According to multiple delegates, the violence in some councils was instigated by those trying to rig the outcome in favour of preferred candidates.
“This is not a political election. It’s a union matter, but politicians are hijacking it,” one anonymous delegate lamented.
Union members are now calling on the state government to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. They argue that allowing violence and imposition to take root in union elections will only erode workers’ rights and encourage impunity.
The suspension of the elections has left many branches of NULGE in a state of uncertainty, with calls growing for the Commission to organise fresh, transparent elections once peace is restored.
Labour groups and civil rights organisations are also urging the government to provide security at future union elections to prevent a repeat of such violence.
As of now, no arrests have been confirmed in connection with the shootings and ballot destruction, but pressure is mounting on security agencies to take action.
With the elections postponed indefinitely, attention now turns to how the Edo government and union leadership will resolve the crisis and restore confidence in the process.
