The Anambra State Government has suspended elections for traditional rulers and presidents-general of town unions scheduled for December 2026, January 2027 and February 2027 ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was announced in a public service notice dated October 7, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs.

The directive, signed by the Head of Town Union Matters, Tony Onyekomelu, on behalf of the commissioner, was introduced to prevent community leadership elections from coinciding with political campaigns and the forthcoming general elections.

Under the arrangement, communities scheduled to elect new leaders in December 2026 have been directed to move their elections to November 2026.

The ministry also stated that leadership handovers must take place on the dates the tenures of outgoing executives officially expire.

However, communities whose traditional ruler or town union elections fall in January or February 2027 have been advised to postpone the exercises until Easter 2027.

The government urged traditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions, youth leaders and women leaders to comply with the directive.

Copies of the notice were also sent to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, the state director of the Department of State Services, the governor’s special adviser on community security and local government mayors.

The suspension comes amid efforts by the state government to prevent disputes over community leadership from escalating into conflicts capable of disrupting peace and security.

Traditional ruler and town union elections have occasionally generated disagreements in some communities, prompting calls for stronger measures to address disputes and improve the management of local leadership structures.

The government’s latest decision is intended to minimise distractions during the politically sensitive period and allow communities to focus on preparations for the 2027 general elections.