The Anambra State Government has suspended traditional rulership and town union government elections scheduled for December 2026, January 2027 and February 2027, citing political campaigns and activities surrounding the 2027 general elections.
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The directive was contained in a Public Service Announcement dated October 7, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs and signed by the Head of Town Union Matters, Tony Onyekomelu, on behalf of the Commissioner.
The circular, with reference number MLGCCA/CM/026/T.3/219, was addressed to all traditional rulers, otherwise known as Igwes, Presidents General, youth leaders and women leaders across the state.
According to the government, the suspension became necessary because of political campaigns and the general elections which the circular said were scheduled for January and February 2027.
“I am directed to convey the decision of the State Government to announce the suspension of all Traditional Rulership and Town Union elections scheduled between December, 2026, January, 2027 and February 2027,” the notice stated.
The government, however, provided different arrangements for communities depending on when their leadership elections were originally scheduled.
Communities whose traditional rulership or town union elections fall in December 2026 have been directed to bring the exercises forward and conduct them on or before the end of November 2026.
However, the government directed that even where such elections are held earlier, the incoming leadership should not take office immediately. Handover is to take place on the exact date the tenure of the existing leadership expires.
For communities whose elections are due in January or February 2027, the state government directed that the exercises be postponed until Easter 2027.
“Accordingly, all communities whose election falls within December 2026 are hereby advised to reschedule and conduct such elections on or before November 2026 and the handover would be on the exact date of the tenure expiration, while those which fall within January 2027 or February 2027 are also advised to reschedule for Easter 2027,” the circular stated.
The government consequently directed all affected traditional and community institutions to take note of the new timetable and ensure strict compliance.
The Anambra State Government has separately confirmed the directive, explaining that the adjustments were intended to prevent community leadership elections from coinciding with the period of political campaigns and the 2027 polls.
Copies of the directive were also forwarded to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the SSS, the Special Adviser on Community Security and mayors of the local government areas for their information, guidance and necessary action.
The directive means that affected communities will either have to bring their elections forward to November 2026 or postpone them until after Easter 2027, depending on the original date of their leadership elections.
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