By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has suspended all traditional rulers’ and town union government elections scheduled for December 2026, January 2027 and February 2027, citing political campaigns and the 2027 general elections.
The directive, contained in a public service announcement dated October 7, 2026, and issued by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, affects communities whose leadership elections fall within the specified period.
The government explained that the suspension was necessary because of political campaigns and general elections scheduled for January and February 2027.
According to the announcement, signed by Tony Onyekomelu, Head of Town Union Matters, on behalf of the Commissioner, communities scheduled to conduct elections in December 2026 have been directed to reschedule them to November 2026.
It added that the handover of leadership in the affected communities must take place on the exact dates their outgoing executives’ tenures expire.
However, communities whose traditional rulers’ or town union elections fall in January or February 2027 have been advised to postpone the exercises until Easter 2027.
The ministry directed traditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions, youth leaders and women leaders to take note of the decision and ensure strict compliance.
Copies of the announcement were sent to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State; the State Director of the Department of State Services; the Special Adviser on Community Security to the governor; and mayors of local government areas.
The suspension comes as communities across the state prepare for leadership transitions in traditional institutions and town unions, whose elections often determine the composition of local leadership structures.
The government’s directive is intended to prevent the conduct of the elections from coinciding with the politically sensitive period surrounding the 2027 general elections.
