Stakeholders hail LASIEC for peaceful council poll
Despite being largely peaceful, the chairmanship and councillorship elections held in Lagos State on Saturday witnessed late arrival of materials and voter’s apathy.
In many local governments monitored by The Nation, the elections scheduled to commence by 8am did not start in most polling units.
Voting materials and electoral officers arrived late at many polling units in Lagos during Saturday’s local government elections in the state.
Officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) were not seen at many polling units visited in Mushin, Ikotun, Igando, and Iba as at 9am.
Although some voters and party agents were waiting for the LASIEC officials to commence the voting process, no officials were present in many locations.
At Adeo-Oyo Street in Mushin, LASIEC officials were seen inside a bus with electoral materials, trying to locate their designated polling units around 9:45am.
Many voters noted that it was unusual for electoral officers to arrive late for duty on Election Day.
Those who spoke with The Nation said they were waiting patiently for LASIEC officials to set up the election process. One man said he had been waiting since 8:15 a.m. at his polling unit.
Some residents had mounted canopies at their polling units in preparation for the officials’ arrival.
The Nation observed that adequate security was in place as promised by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.
Police officers were seen at all the locations visited, including Iyana-Ejigbo, Isolo, Ikotun, Igando, Iba, and Isheri.
The Chief of Staff to Lagos Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, attributed the delays to logistic issues.
He spoke with reporters shortly after casting his vote in Polling Unit 014, Ikeja GRA.
He acknowledged that there can be room for improvement going forward in future elections.
According to him, the election has been peaceful so far and commended LASIEC for proper organization.
Ayinde expressed confidence in his party’s, the All Progressives Congress (APC) success in the poll.
He said: “I pray that by the grace of God, our party is going to come out victorious at the end of the day. Going by the magnitude of the work and the achievements of this present government in Lagos State and going by what all what our council chairmen are doing presently in Lagos State, I think by the grace of God, we will carry the day.”
He praised the peaceful exercise.
“So far, so good; it has been so peaceful. People came out to vote on their own, and I’m sure that they voted for their choices,” Ayinde stated.
A commissioner with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Hakeem Bamgbola, hailed LASIEC for organizing a peaceful and credible election.
Bamgbola, however, called for more youths engagement and grassroots development.
Despite the lower turnout, the Commissioner expressed optimism about the party’s performance, stating, “We are very hopeful and I can assure you that we are going to win all the positions in the local government. Our party candidates will be declared winners.”
The commissioner expressed strong confidence in a clean sweep, but also highlighting critical areas for improvement, particularly concerning voter’s turnout among the youths and the need for robust grassroots development.
Meanwhile, he praised the election officials for their efficiency, noting, that they were on time and prompt in the distribution of materials.
“Voting commenced around 8am in my area, and while initial turnout was low, more people steadily came out to cast their votes at various polling booths. The process was largely peaceful with no major incidents reported.”
He added that the visibly low voter turnout, especially compared to federal elections, was a point of discussion. “Sometimes, in council elections, oppositions’ supporters don’t come out as much, but they turn out en masse for federal elections,” he explained, adding “We’ve worked hard to mobilize our people, and their efforts to bring voters out have been commendable.”
He stressed the importance of civic responsibility, lamenting, apathy among eligible young voters, with many seen playing football in the streets rather than participating in the electoral process.
He said: “We still need a lot of communication and enlightenment for our youths. They are the leaders of tomorrow, yet when we expect them to vote, we see them blocking roads and showing disinterest.
“You can’t be a citizen, a youth, and not come out to cast your vote for the candidate of your choice, and then complain about bad governance. We need a lot of enlightenment and meetings with the youth before the 2027 general election. Their participation is paramount for us as a party.”
He also commended women for their active participation, noting their presence at various local government areas.
Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Muhammed, said voters’ turnout was impressive in her council.
She lauded LASIEC for staging a free, fair, credible exercise.
She said: “Apapa-Iganmu is a bit different because larger percentage of residents are actively involved in politics, so we take these elections very seriously. Our people turned out well, and we are confident in the results.”
She said the results coming in so far showed APC in clear lead.
“The difference is clear! We don’t have strong opposition,” she said.
This, she said, was as a result of her impactful administration.
“Everyone can confirm this. Even during the presidential election, when it comes to elections, the people come out fully for APC,” she said.
APC Candidate in Apapa-Iganmu, Saliu Jimoh, described the poll as nothing short of perfect.
“We’ve seen significant improvements in the election process in Lagos State over time and today’s conduct is a testament to that progress. It was well-organized and truly commendable,” he said.
According to him, “The turnout has been massive. Anyone who witnessed my rallies would have seen the overwhelming public acceptance I’ve received.”
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