David Akachukwu
Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us
The chairmanship and councillorship elections underway in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State faced an early setback due to the delayed arrival of officials from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
Despite voters showing up in large numbers from 8:00 a.m., electoral activities were stalled across several polling stations, leaving many residents frustrated. At the polling center where the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate, Usman Hamzat, was expected to vote, anxious constituents waited patiently, expressing concern over the potential implications of the late start on the overall conduct of the polls.
Early Kickoff at Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Polling Unit
Meanwhile, on Lagos Island, voting began on schedule at Polling Unit 007, located within St. Stephen’s Nursery and Primary School, Adeniji Adele. The polling station, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to cast his ballot, saw a prompt start, with LASIEC officials present and ready by 8:00 a.m.
Among the first to vote was Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor. The area was under visible security surveillance, with police personnel maintaining peace and order.
The local government elections are being conducted across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
Orderly Distribution in Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade
In Amuwo-Odofin, the distribution of electoral materials proceeded smoothly at the local government secretariat. LASIEC ad-hoc staff prepared for deployment to the 14 LCDAs under Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade, with no reports of delays or logistical issues at the time of reporting.
Ikeja Prepares Ahead of Time
In Ikeja LGA, the dispatch of voting materials began early in the morning. Observers noted that the materials were distributed efficiently from the local council office to major polling centers in advance of the official start time. Security personnel were also deployed across various polling units to ensure a secure process.
Statewide Elections Seen as Political Barometer
Saturday’s local government elections, taking place on July 12, 2025, mark an important moment for Lagos State’s political landscape. From the mainland to the islands, political players, election monitors, and residents view the exercise as a quiet but meaningful test of the state’s political dynamics.
LASIEC had earlier released the final list of approved candidates contesting for chairmanship and councillorship seats across all LGAs and LCDAs in the state.
Voting is scheduled to occur at over 13,000 polling stations, with security operatives and voting materials already deployed statewide.
While local council polls in Nigeria often attract low turnout and minimal national media focus, this particular election in Lagos carries added weight. It arrives at a time when the APC is looking to reinforce its grip at the grassroots level, following some inroads made by opposition parties during the 2023 general elections.
Political analysts suggest that today’s vote could serve as a gauge for the popularity of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration and reflect the broader political influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his home state.
The APC remains the dominant force in the race, though the Labour Party (LP) is looking to increase its presence at the local level.
For further information on sport secret and greatest sport icon click here
The All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to stand as the dominant force in Lagos politics. With uninterrupted control of the state since 1999, the party commands a robust and deeply rooted network that spans from local wards to the state leadership.
Nonetheless, the Labour Party (LP), which surprised many during the 2023 presidential elections by capturing strategic polling units in areas such as Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, and Surulere, is aiming to build on that momentum at the local council level.
LP’s presence has been notable in select Local Government Areas, but campaign efforts have varied in visibility across the state.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once considered the primary opposition party in Lagos, has remained largely inactive in the lead-up to the election. This subdued approach reflects ongoing internal challenges and a reduced influence in the state’s political scene.
Concerns Ahead of the Poll
In the days before the election, concerns were raised by civil society groups and opposition parties regarding the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission’s (LASIEC) readiness for the poll.
One significant issue was the late publication of the final list of approved candidates, which was only released on July 8—just four days before voters were due to head to the polls.
Candidates from the Labour Party in particular voiced concerns about acts of intimidation, defacement of campaign posters, and fears about possible electoral bias in some council areas. One aspirant in Amuwo-Odofin alleged that there were plans to cause unrest on election day and called on both LASIEC and security agencies to act promptly to prevent disruption.
Despite these apprehensions, LASIEC has insisted that it is fully prepared to conduct a transparent and orderly election.
The commission’s Chairperson, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retired), affirmed that necessary arrangements had been finalized, including measures to accommodate vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals living with disabilities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu Urges Voter Participation
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents across the state to come out in large numbers, highlighting the importance of local governments as the administrative tier closest to the people. He emphasized that this level of government plays a key role in service delivery and grassroots development.
Security agencies, including the Lagos State Police Command, have also pledged to ensure the safety of voters and polling officials. Law enforcement personnel have been deployed across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order throughout the voting process.
Why These Elections Matter
Often overlooked, local government elections play a pivotal role in shaping grassroots governance. These polls determine who manages community budgets, oversees local infrastructure, regulates markets, and influences public service delivery in schools, sanitation, and more.
Additionally, local council officials often serve as mobilizers for larger political campaigns, setting the stage for statewide and national contests—especially as political parties begin strategizing for the 2027 general elections.
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post
Jonathan Nwokpor
