Lagos decides at grassroots as Local govt elections hold today
All is set for the Lagos State local government council elections taking place today, Saturday, July 12, 2025.
From the mainland to the islands, political stakeholders, election observers, and residents are bracing for what is being described as a quiet but pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) recently released the final list of verified candidates vying for chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Voting is scheduled to commence by 8:00 a.m., with security personnel and electoral materials reportedly deployed across all 13,325 polling units.
While local government elections in Nigeria are often characterized by low voter turnout and minimal national attention, this year’s polls in Lagos carry greater political weight. The vote comes as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seeks to reassert its grassroots dominance following some opposition breakthroughs in the 2023 general elections.
Political analysts view this election as a key barometer of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s popularity and, by extension, a measure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s enduring political influence in his home state.
APC Looks to Maintain Stronghold as Labour Party Eyes Expansion
As expected, the APC remains the dominant force, leveraging a well-established political structure that has controlled Lagos since 1999. However, the Labour Party (LP) hopes to build on its surprising performance in the 2023 presidential election, where it claimed several key polling units in areas like Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, and Surulere.
Though LP candidates have shown notable activity in some LGAs, their campaign presence has been inconsistent across the state.
Meanwhile, the once-prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has had a subdued presence in the run-up to the vote, reflecting internal divisions and dwindling public momentum.
Concerns Over Preparedness and Fairness
In the lead-up to the election, civil society groups and opposition parties raised questions about LASIEC’s readiness—particularly after the candidate list was released just four days before the vote, on July 8.
Labour Party candidates have also reported incidents of intimidation, destruction of campaign materials, and alleged bias in certain LGAs. A candidate in Amuwo-Odofin went as far as accusing unnamed actors of plotting to disrupt the vote, calling on LASIEC and security forces to intervene.
Despite these challenges, LASIEC has assured the public that it is fully prepared to conduct a credible election. Retired Justice Ayotunde Phillips, LASIEC Chairperson, confirmed that special arrangements have been made for vulnerable voters, including the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Governor, Security Agencies Urge Peaceful Turnout
Governor Sanwo-Olu has encouraged residents to come out in large numbers, emphasizing the importance of local government as the closest tier to the people and a key player in delivering essential services.
The Lagos State Police Command and other security agencies have also pledged to maintain peace and order, assuring the public of adequate deployment of personnel at all polling units.
Though often overshadowed, local government elections hold considerable importance. They determine who controls grassroots budgets, oversees public infrastructure like markets, roads, and schools, and serve as foundational structures for state and national political mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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