Violence erupts during NULGE elections in Edo

September 5, 2025

Edo map

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) elections in Edo State chapters were marred by violence following reported gunshots and unrest‎.

The election, which was held simultaneously across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State on Wednesday, was said to have been disrupted in some councils by armed thugs.
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‎It was gathered that delegates who declined to cast their votes for certain candidates in Uhunmwode and Igueben local governments were beaten and chased away from the election venues with accompanying gunshots.
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‎A delegate in one of the local governments where violence was recorded attributed the disruption to alleged forceful imposition.
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‎The delegate who only gave her name as Esohe said: “A particular council chairman wrote the names of candidates he wanted to emerge as executives of NULGE in the council.
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‎”However, sensing that other candidates were in a clear lead in the election, his political thugs began to shoot sporadically. They chased everyone away and destroyed the ballot box.”
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‎Meanwhile, the Edo State Local Government Commission has ordered the suspension of elections in the 18 councils over the reported violence.
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‎The Commission, in a letter addressed to the President of NULGE in the state, noted with concern the increasing number of petitions, disputes, and growing unrest among staff of the Unified Local Government Service.
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‎The letter, which was endorsed by the secretary of the Commission, Odigie George, read in part: “More worrisome is the reported security breach that occurred at Uhunmwode Local Government Council on the 3rd of September, 2025.
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‎”The development allegedly resulted in shootings and injuries sustained by a staffer as captured in viral video clips presently in circulation.
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‎”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.”