Lagos LG polls: LASIEC vows credible elections, dismisses protest rumours

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

Despite reports of continued protests, Retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to holding free, fair, and credible local government elections.

Speaking to reporters in Lagos on Thursday after a security strategy meeting, Okikiolu-Ighile denied rumors of disturbances, saying that the election could only be stopped by a court order.

“To the best of my knowledge, there is no protest affecting the conduct of the election,” she said. “And even if there is one, LASIEC’s preparations remain unaffected. We are fully prepared, as much as humanly possible to hold a successful poll.”

She emphasized that the commission is doing everything it can to guarantee a free and fair election. Voting is anticipated to occur at 13,325 polling places around the state, she said, with 57 chairmanship and vice-chairmanship posts up for grabs.

According to Okikiolu-Ighile, 760,195 eligible voters have been registered by LASIEC for the exercise. She affirmed that 13,325 security personnel, four per polling station, had been recruited to uphold law and order throughout the election in order to guarantee sufficient security.

“We are conducting this election strictly within the boundaries of the law,” she noted.

In addition, the chair of LASIEC made a strong case for voters to oppose vote-buying in all its forms and to engage completely in the democratic process.

“Your vote is your voice. Do not sell or trade it. This election matters deeply, it affects governance at the grassroots level and shapes the future of your children.”

She restated the commission’s determination to overcome any new obstacles and hold an election that satisfies democratic norms.

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.