The recently concluded Lagos local government election has triggered widespread criticism. Opposition parties have rejected the results, alleging massive irregularities, voter intimidation, and ballot stuffing. The election, held across the state on Saturday, was marred by complaints and logistical failures.
Labour Party: No Real Election Took Place in Lagos
According to Sam Okpala, the Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, the entire process was a “complete sham.” He claimed voting never occurred in many polling units. Instead, he described scenes of ballot box stuffing and the use of pre-thumb-printed ballots.
“There was no election in Lagos. LASIEC officials were missing in several polling units,” he said.
Okpala added that LP agents were prevented from entering voting areas and many polling units witnessed zero participation from electoral officers.
PDP: APC Rigged to Fake Popularity
Tai Benedict, Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of staging a false show of dominance.
“They want to use this election to trick people into thinking they are popular,” he said.
Benedict claimed that already-filled ballots were stuffed into boxes and doubted the credibility of the final results. He warned that the outcome may surpass even the APC’s 2023 presidential vote count in Lagos—a figure many find hard to believe.
SDP Alleges Disqualification Through Ballot Omission
Femi Olaniyi, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Lagos, alleged that his party was deliberately excluded from the ballot papers.
“Only APC, PDP, and Zenith Labour Party appeared on some ballots. It’s daylight robbery,” he said.
The SDP plans to challenge the results in court, calling the process a “selection, not an election.”
Ex-Deputy Governor Calls for Cancellation
Former Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele also voiced concerns after she failed to find her name on the voter register. She cited sudden relocation of polling units without public notice.
“My polling unit was moved from Eko Hotel to Ajose Adeogun without informing voters,” she said.
Bucknor-Akerele demanded the immediate cancellation of the election, citing disenfranchisement and logistical chaos.
APC Boasts of Total Victory Amid Chaos
Despite the backlash, APC’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, claimed that the party would win all 57 LGAs and councillorship seats.
“This LG election is our warm-up for 2027,” he said confidently.
Oladejo added that opposition parties are weak and uncoordinated, and APC remains the only viable choice for Lagosians.
Widespread Delays and Voter Apathy
The election was plagued by late arrival of materials and electoral officers. LASIEC had earlier announced voting would start by 8:00 a.m., but this did not happen in many locations, including Ikoyi, Eti-Osa, Iba, and Ojodu.
As of 10:43 a.m., polling units in Ojo and Ketu-Agboyi LCDA were still waiting for materials. LASIEC officials were seen stranded, with some blaming miscommunication and fuel shortages.
Residents Frustrated by Poor Organization
Voters expressed deep frustration over delays and missing materials. Some arrived by 7:30 a.m. but left in anger after waiting for hours.
A voter at Polling Unit 061 in Ojodu asked, “If it’s 11 a.m. and we haven’t started, what’s the point?”
Even LASIEC officials admitted to confusion over deployment, saying unclear directions caused delays at various locations.
Voter Turnout Low Despite Government Mobilization
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had urged residents to participate. Yet, most polling units witnessed voter apathy. In Obalende, youths were seen playing football rather than voting.
Some voters demanded cash incentives before heading to the polls. An APC agent in Kosofe LG revealed that many residents refused to vote unless they were “settled.”
In Ikosi-Isheri, many voters said they lacked proper information about registration and card collection, while others said their PVCs were missing or never issued.
LASIEC Officials Face Backlash Over Poor Logistics
In Abule Egba and Meiran areas, election officers arrived late due to sorting errors, fuel issues, and miscommunication.
“We got our directions late. That’s why we came after voting time had started,” said one presiding officer in Meiran.
Polling units in Ikoyi, Ojo, and Ketu reported similar issues, with many voters eventually giving up and going home.
Sanwo-Olu, Gbajabiamila Praise Process Despite Flaws
Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Mudashiru Obasa described the process as peaceful and orderly after casting their votes.
Sanwo-Olu admitted there were logistical lapses, but insisted LASIEC tried its best.
Gbajabiamila called for stronger local government autonomy to ensure better grassroots development.
Obasa praised the lack of violence, while Hamzat predicted an easy win for APC despite acknowledging early delays.
EFCC Monitors Election to Prevent Vote Buying
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deployed operatives to polling units to discourage vote buying. Led by Zonal Director Michael Nzekwe, teams visited Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ajah, and Epe.
“Our goal is to maintain integrity in the electoral system,” the EFCC said.
Officers ensured compliance and monitored voter activities closely throughout the day.
Final Thoughts: Lagos LG Election Under Fire
The Lagos LG poll 2025 has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, voters, and civil society groups. Allegations of fraud, late voting, poor logistics, and disenfranchisement dominated the day.
Despite government claims of a peaceful process, the credibility of the results remains in question.
