Domestic election observers have praised the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for its professional and peaceful handling of the local government elections across the state, despite a noticeable low turnout of voters in some areas.
Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, Chairman of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, lauded LASIEC’s organization and preparedness, stating that the Lagos model could serve as a blueprint for other states. “I am already copying everything here to apply it to our local government elections in Edo State,” Aifuobhokhan told reporters. “We will invite LASIEC to come to our aid in Edo to help us improve on our processes. Everywhere seems peaceful, with no crisis of any kind.”
Chief Charles Ejiogu, Chairman of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, echoed Aifuobhokhan’s sentiments, describing LASIEC’s level of preparation as “fantastic.” He praised the calm and orderly atmosphere across polling units he visited, adding, “I am sure that at the end of the day, Lagosians would have every reason to be happy.” Ejiogu urged residents to make use of the smooth process and turn out in greater numbers to vote.
While the election process was widely praised, observers noted a low voter turnout in parts of Lagos, including Mushin, Ilupeju, Coker-Aguda, and Surulere, where many polling units saw minimal voter activity by midday. However, they commended LASIEC’s efforts to ensure the election proceeded without disruptions. The observers also encouraged the commission to ramp up voter education and engagement to boost participation in future elections.
As voting and counting progressed, the general consensus among observers was that the election was conducted in a transparent, peaceful, and credible manner.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, cast his vote at Polling Unit 006, Ward E, at St. Stephens Nursery and Primary School, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, at about 11 a.m., accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. Voting at the polling unit had started at 8 a.m., and Sanwo-Olu’s arrival attracted a small crowd of supporters.
However, some polling units experienced delays. In the Awolowo Road area of Ikoyi, election materials had yet to arrive by 8:51 a.m., leaving polling units largely deserted except for a few voters awaiting the arrival of election officers. The situation in Obalende was similar, with youths seen playing football on the road as late as 9:15 a.m. In contrast, polling units on Odo and Igbo Streets in Obalende were preparing to commence voting.
At the time of reporting, voting had not yet started at polling units in Ikorodu’s Ward A, Power Line area. Officials attributed the delay to the absence of party agents who were expected to provide chairs for the accreditation process.
Despite Governor Sanwo-Olu’s public appeal for greater voter participation, the turnout remained low in several areas as of 10:10 a.m. In Obalende, youths continued to play football, and many polling stations remained empty. However, security personnel were on the ground, overseeing the process and maintaining order.
Despite this largely positive assessment, former Lagos Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, has called for the cancellation of the election, alleging that there were attempts to rig the process. Speaking with Nigeria Info, she claimed that many polling units had been relocated without notice and that voter names were missing from registration lists. “I am calling for the cancellation of this election because there’s a clear effort to rig the election in favor of one party,” she stated.
The election, which was scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., saw several logistical challenges, particularly with the delivery of election materials. However, by the time of filing this report, voting was underway in most areas, despite earlier delays.
