The Edo State Local Government Commission has ordered the immediate suspension of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, election following a reported bloody clash, gunshots, and violence.
DAILY POST reports that the NULGE election, which was held simultaneously across the 18 local government areas on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, was disrupted by armed thugs in some councils.
It was gathered that violence broke out in Uhunmwode and Igueben local government areas, allegedly leading to the shooting and injuring of some staff.
Delegates who refused to cast their votes for certain candidates in Uhunmwode and Igueben were reportedly beaten and chased away from the election venues amid gunfire.
Some delegates in one of the affected councils attributed the disruption to alleged forceful imposition.
One of the delegates, who simply identified herself as Esohe, alleged that a particular council chairman wrote the names of candidates he wanted to emerge as executives of NULGE in the council.
Trouble was said to have started when the anointed chairman’s candidate discovered that his opponent was in a clear lead.
Suspected political thugs then reportedly invaded the venue and began shooting sporadically. The delegates were chased away and the ballot boxes destroyed.
Following the development, the Edo State Local Government Commission ordered the immediate suspension of the elections.
In a letter addressed to the President of NULGE in the state, the commission attributed the suspension to the increasing number of petitions, disputes, and growing unrest among staff of the Unified Local Government Service.
The letter, signed by the secretary of the commission, Odigie George, noted that the most worrisome aspect was the reported security breach at Uhunmwode Local Government Council.
According to him, the incident allegedly resulted in shootings and injuries sustained by staff, as captured in viral video clips presently circulating.
“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,” he said.
