Lagosians Head To Polls To Elect Council Leaders Today
About The Author
Over 7 million registered voters in Lagos State, the nation’s economic heartbeat, will head to the polls on Saturday, July 12, 2025, to elect chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Lagos is no ordinary battleground. With over 20 million residents and N1.3 trillion in internally generated revenue in 2024, the state remains a political and economic powerhouse. It is also the home base of President Bola Tinubu, former governor (1999–2007) and widely regarded as the godfather of Lagos politics.
As Nigeria’s most populous city and commercial hub, Lagos houses the headquarters of major banks, telecom giants, oil firms, and bustling ports and airports.
Unlike federal and state elections overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Saturday’s elections fall under the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Its Chairperson, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, has confirmed that 15 political parties will participate in the elections.
However, LASIEC has opted not to deploy BVAS—the biometric system used in general elections. “We may use some electronic tools, but we can also go manual,” Justice Okikiolu-Ighile said.
Despite historically low turnout in local elections, LASIEC says it has intensified public engagement to boost participation. “We are prepared. Now we urge Lagosians to come out and vote peacefully,” she said.
In 2021, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all LG and LCDA chairmanships and 375 out of 377 councillorship seats.
But this time, the PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and others say they’re mounting a real challenge. Allegations have emerged about the defacing of opposition banners and campaign materials, particularly in flashpoint areas such as Surulere, Ojo, and Agege.
Notably, Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Lagos Assembly Speaker, is contesting as vice-chairmanship candidate for Agege LGA.
To ensure safety, the Lagos Police Command, led by Commissioner Olorundare Jimoh, has deployed 30,000 officers—20,000 from the state and 10,000 from the federal command. Tactical squads like the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Marine Police, and others will be on standby across land and coastal zones.
“No polling unit will be left unmanned,” Jimoh assured. “Officers at polling units won’t be armed, but armed intervention teams will be stationed nearby.”
Vehicle and waterway movements are restricted from 6am to 3pm to allow for safe and smooth voting.
However, civic group Enough Is Enough (EiE) has raised red flags over the commission’s credibility. EiE’s Executive Director, Opeyemi Adamolekun, accused LASIEC of poor voter sensitisation, violating the Electoral Act 2022, and failing to consult stakeholders on election guidelines.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also criticised LASIEC’s unilateral decisions and lack of transparency, echoing concerns from civil society organisations.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statewide address, called for peaceful participation. “This election is not just constitutional—it is your voice,” he said.
He reassured voters of adequate security and transparency: “Local government is the closest tier to the people. Your vote helps drive grassroots development.”
He also urged youths to reject violence and be “ambassadors of peace.”
Voting will take place in 13,325 polling units across 376 wards in the state’s 20 LGAs:
Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu, Surulere.
And in 37 LCDAs:
Orile Agege, Ifelodun, Agbado-Oke Odo, Ayobo-Ipaja, Egbe-Idimu, Mosan-Okunola, Oriade, Apapa Iganmu, Olorunda, Badagry West, Eredo, Ikosi-Ejirin, Ikoyi-Obalende, Iru/Victoria Island, Lekki, Ojokoro, Onigbongbo, Ojodu, Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Ijede, Imota, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, Agboyi-Ketu, Ikosi-Isheri, Lagos Island East, Yaba, Odi-Olowo, Iba, Oto-Awori, Ejigbo, Isolo, Bariga, Coker-Aguda, Itire-Ikate.
