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Tag: LASIEC

  • LASIEC begins post-council election audit

    LASIEC begins post-council election audit

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has commenced a rigorous post-election audit of the July 2025 Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) polls, with a vow to institutionalise lessons learnt from the exercise to strengthen grassroots democracy.

    Speaking at the opening of a Two-Day Retreat at Dover Hotels, Ikeja, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), described the gathering as a deliberate and forward-looking exercise aimed at evaluating the Commission’s performance and identifying systemic gaps.

    Addressing commissioners and electoral officers, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile noted that while the elections were adjudged free and fair by international and domestic observers, the commission must avoid the trap of complacency.

    “A resilient electoral process is not one that simply survives challenges, but one that learns from them, adapts and emerges stronger. We must be courageous enough to admit our shortcomings and make up to institutionalize lessons learnt,” she said.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    She acknowledged that the 2025 election cycle was not without its administrative hiccups and politically-motivated sentiments, but maintained that the commission had demonstrated impartiality and resilience in protecting the mandate of the voters.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile emphasised that the future of elections in Lagos would be shaped by rising public scrutiny and evolving security concerns.

    To remain contemporary and relevant, she pledged that LASIEC would focus on leveraging technology to meet voters’ expectations, strengthening manpower through continuous training and a conducive work environment and reinforcing internal control processes to ensure transparency and neutrality.

    Providing a statistical backdrop to the 2025 exercise, the Commissioner for Training, Oladele Adekanye, said there was a significant uptick in voter engagement compared to previous cycles.

    According to Adekanye, the 2025 elections recorded a 24 per cent voter turnout, a notable leap from the 10 to 11 per cent recorded in previous election.

    While delivering a goodwill message, the commission’s Permanent Secretary, Abdulrafiu Fashola, commended the leadership of the commission and the dedication of its staff during the last elections. Fashola urged participants to approach the retreat with openness and professionalism, noting that constructive evaluation is key to strengthening institutional performance and public trust.

  • By-elections: LASIEC engages stakeholders, pledges credible conduct

    By-elections: LASIEC engages stakeholders, pledges credible conduct

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) on Thursday assured stakeholders of its readiness to conduct credible councillorship by-elections in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the by-elections became necessary following the death of two newly elected councillors of Ward C and Ward H of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) respectively.

    The two councillors died days after the July 12 Local Government Elections and their swearing-in.

    Speaking at the forum, LASIEC Chairman, retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, said that the commission would not take the yet-to-be-fixed by-elections for granted nor leave any stone unturned.

    Commending the stakeholders for continuous support and collaboration, Okikiolu-Ighile, who was represented by a LASIEC Electoral Commissioner, Mr Samson Ajibade, said the commission was poised to accomplish its mandate of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

    She said that the commission received with profound shock and sadness the news of the untimely passing of the two recently sworn-in Councillors- Mrs Oluwakemi Sabiu of Ibeju-Lekki LG and Mrs Zaynab Shotayo of Odi-Olowo-Ojuwoye LCDA.

    “The demise of these two elected councillors has created vacancies that must, in line with the LASIEC Laws and democratic principles, be duly filled. Democracy thrives on representation, and the people of the affected wards deserve the opportunity to once again elect their representatives.

    “LASIEC, in the discharge of its constitutional mandate, has set in motion the processes that will culminate in credible, free, and fair by-elections.

    “We are committed to ensuring that the will of the people in the affected wards is reflected through transparent processes that guarantee inclusiveness, accountability, and legitimacy,” Okikiolu-Ighile said.

    According to him, stakeholder engagement remains a critical part of the electoral process.

    Read Also: LASIEC presents Certificates of Return to council poll winners

    She said that political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the electorate all played indispensable roles in building trust and confidence in the election.

    “It is only through your cooperation, vigilance, and commitment to due process that the by-elections can be successful.

    “As a commission, we shall continue to sustain a strong collaboration with all the key stakeholders and other interest groups, to create a level playing ground and equal access for all the players in the political landscape.

    “We shall uphold the confidence of the people to ensure that the commission delivers on its statutory mandate with openness and transparency,” she said.

    The chairman said that the by-elections presented another opportunity for LASIEC to strengthen democracy at the grassroots.

    “It is a test of our collective resolve to ensure that democracy is not only sustained but also deepened in Lagos State.

    “The Commission shall provide a level playing field for all political parties and contestants and shall ensure the highest standards of transparency and credibility of the entire process.

    “We shall work hand-in-hand with the security agencies to guarantee peace, before, during, the after the elections,” Okikiolu-Ighile said.

    The LASIEC boss appealed to the electorate of the affected wards to turn out en masse to exercise their civic duty once the notice of the Election Day is fixed.

    She said that the commission would pick the Election Day after the tribunal had given its pronouncement on matters before it.

    Speaking with NAN at the forum, Mr Dele Oladeji, the Lagos State Chairman of the Accord Party, urged LASIEC to restore confidence in grassroots democracy through election credibility.

    Oladeji alleged that winners were declared in the July 12 Local Government elections without declared results.

    “We didn’t go to the tribunal because we do not even have the results of the election to contest at the tribunal.

    “However, we are in the court with LASIEC at the Lagos State High Court, but the court has not called that case for over a month now due to politics.

    “However, as a party, we are going to step up our work and make sure the case is heard in the courts,” he said.

    Oladeji said that the Accord would not be participating in the by-elections.

    The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by leaders of political parties, traditional rulers, and LASIEC commissioners, among others.

  • LASIEC presents Certificates of Return to council poll winners

    LASIEC presents Certificates of Return to council poll winners

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and Councillors-elect from the Saturday Local Government elections.

    The ceremony, held at LASIEC Headquarters in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, marked the official affirmation of the public’s mandate to those who will take over the new leadership in 57 local councils in the state.

    The ceremony was witnessed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Exco-led by Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi; his predecessor and Chairman APC Canpaign Council, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun; Party Secretary Adeola Jokomba; Women’s Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and host of others.

    LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, described the event as a monumental ceremony and a hallmark of democratic culture.

    She expressed profound gratitude to God and all Lagos residents for their active participation and support throughout the electoral process.

    “This event is more than a ceremony as it is the hallmark of democratic culture culminating in the actualization of resilient months of strategic planning, civic participation and institutional efforts,” Justice Okikiolu-Ighile stated.

    The commission boss stated that over 24 per cent voters’ turnout was recorded in the poll as against 10 percent recorded in 2021.

    This, she said, is unprecedented and a substantial improvement from the past editions.

    “This is unprecedented, meaning that people came out more than they did in 2021. The increase is due to our robust voter awareness campaigns that utilized public transport branding and billboards across the state. Favorable weather conditions, with no excessive heat or rain, also contributed to voters’ comfort on the Election Day. Despite some initial difficulties for voters in locating their units, LASIEC provided vehicles to transport them to the correct polling stations after verification, ensuring all eligible voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots,” she said.

    According to her, the number of polling units from about 8,000 in 2021 to 13,325 in 2025, helped reduce crowding and streamline the voting process.

    She lauded the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), candidates, security agencies, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, youth organizations, market men and women, faith-based organizations, persons living with disability (PWDs), the media, election observers, and the electorate.

    Read Also: Court grants final forfeiture of N335m, hospital, five filling stations, others to Fed Govt

    She commended the professionalism and dedication of LASIEC staff and ad-hoc personnel, acknowledging the operational and logistical challenges encountered in the early hours of the exercise but praising their steadfast commitment.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile highlighted the peaceful nature of the elections, noting that observers reported it as one of the very peaceful elections for local government polls.

    “I personally visited numerous polling units and received video evidence confirming the increased participation,” she said.

    The Chairman extended appreciation to the security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, NSCDC, and Operation MESSA, for their zero-tolerance approach and effective deployment that maintained law and order.

    She noted that reports of issues were promptly addressed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile announced that LASIEC would not be resting on its laurels.

    She said: “A post-election retreat for members, Electoral Officers (EOs), and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) is scheduled for next week to critically evaluate the process, address challenges such as late starts and material distribution and discuss instances of hostility faced by officials.

    “The commission has also drawn a year-round timetable for continuous engagement, emphasizing voter education and regular stakeholder meetings. The goal is to make LASIEC a household name and clarify its functions, often confused with those of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

    The Chairman reiterated that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are not within LASIEC’s mandate, urging citizens to utilize INEC’s portal for PVC collection, transfers, or new registrations.

    APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said the party was pleased with the outcome of the polls and pledged not to take the people’s trust and support for granted.

    He said: “We thank the people of Lagos for believing in our party and giving us this victory. We worked hard for it and appreciate God for granting us strength and the wide acceptance shown by the people of Lagos State,” Ojelabi said.

    He assured Lagos residents that the party would fulfill its campaign promises and its candidates would meet expectations across all local councils.

    According to him, the party has established mechanisms to monitor its elected council officials and ensure they contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

    “By God’s grace, we shall meet that expectation.

    Commending LASIEC, Ojelabi described the election as a successful and historic exercise that reflected the will of the people.

    Chairman-elect of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Seyi Jakande, thanked the residents for voting for him.

    Jakande, son of the late first Executive Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, recallsedthat late Jakande, who govern Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, left many unmatchable and imperishable impacts in the state.

    According to him, most of the programmes being initiated in the council are for the peoples wellbeing, which are the steps of late Jakande.

    “We are going to key into the vision of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, organising people-centric programmes and policies. We are definitely going to sustain them (Jakande’s policies) in a way we are going to put in new innovations to move the council forward,” he said.

    Appreciating support from the people, Jakande commended LASIEC for conducting a free, fair and credible elections.

    Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Adebayo Olasoju, assured the electorate of more developmental programmes.

    He promised to deliver governance every resident would be proud of.

    “We have always delivered on all our campaign promises in the last four years. We will continue to do. It’s a continuity of all of the programmes that we have actually done in the past eight years as vice chairman of the council. We intend to sustain the people-oriented programmes that have impacted on the lives of people of the community. We are bringing in new innovations to impact on the people,” Olasoju said.

    The lone PDP councilor-elect out of the 376 councillors in the state, Babatunde Dosunmu, said, his popularity and trust reposed in him by the people of Yaba Ward D, Abule-Oja gave him the victory.

    Dosunmu said that the mandate was for the people, promising not to dash their hope.

  • LASIEC issues Certificates of Return to elected council officials

    LASIEC issues Certificates of Return to elected council officials

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, and Councillors elected during the recently concluded local government elections across the state.

    At a ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Yaba, the LASIEC Chairman, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd.), confirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 57 Chairmanship positions and 375 of the 376 Councillorship seats contested.

    READ ALSO; UPDATED: Why I resigned from PDP, by Atiku

    Describing the certificate presentation as “a hallmark of democratic culture,” she praised the smooth conduct of the election and commended stakeholders, including security agencies, election observers, civil society groups, and the media for their cooperation and dedication to the electoral process.

    She also expressed gratitude to Lagosians for their participation and assured that the new set of council officials would assume office on July 26, following the expiration of the current tenure.

  • Stakeholders hail LASIEC for peaceful council poll

    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.

    Read Also: Tight security presence at LASIEC headquarters as Lagos council poll begins

    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.”

  • Tight security presence at LASIEC headquarters as Lagos council poll begins

    Tight security presence at LASIEC headquarters as Lagos council poll begins

    The headquarters of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) in Yaba witnessed tight security on Saturday as the state conducted its local government elections.

    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) political correspondent at the LASIEC office reported a strong presence of security personnel, including a commendable number of police officers stationed at the premises.

    Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) were also present, positioned in their respective operational vans.

    Vehicular movement on the street leading to the LASIEC office was restricted, with roadblocks mounted at both ends to control access and ensure order.

    Elsewhere in Badagry, similar security measures were observed, with personnel from the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) deployed to maintain peace and order.

    There was high compliance with the restriction of movement in the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of  the state as voters were peaceful in their conduct.

    NAN reports that the usually bustling streets of Mosan-Okunola, located in the Alimosho area, were quiet as of 9:00 a.m., with only security personnel, electoral officials, and a few accredited observers seen moving around.

    Major roads such as Abesan Gate Road, Akowonjo Road, and the Ipaja-Ayobo axis were deserted, while shops, markets, and motor parks remained closed.

    Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators also stayed off the roads in compliance with the directive issued by the Lagos State Government.

    Security agencies, including officers of the Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps, were stationed at strategic locations to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order.

    Read Also: HEDA urges LASIEC to conduct credible poll

    Residents who spoke to NAN commended the level of compliance, noting that it would help ensure a smooth electoral process.

    A voter, Mrs Bosede Akinwale, said: “I am happy people are obeying the movement restriction. It shows that we are becoming more conscious of the importance of orderly elections.”

    The police had earlier announced that movement would be restricted across the state from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to facilitate the conduct of the Saturday council elections in the state.

    NAN reports that the LASIEC  is conducting elections into 20 constitutionally recognised local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas .

    The election is currently underway across the 57 council areas and 376 electoral wards in the state.(NAN)

  • HEDA urges LASIEC to conduct credible poll

    HEDA urges LASIEC to conduct credible poll

    Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission to ensure a free, fair, and credible poll.

    Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, spoke in Lagos at unveiling of its publication, Leadership Approval Rating report.

    Arigbabu appealed to the commission to deliver an election that will restore confidence in democratic institutions.

    Read Also: LASIEC set for Saturday’s council polls, says agency chair

    “We call on LASIEC to rise above skepticism and demonstrate that a state electoral body can act with integrity and independence. This election is a litmus test for LASIEC and a chance to restore public confidence in democratic institutions,” he said.

    HEDA called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to maintain neutrality and ensure the safety of voters, observers, media, and polling agents.

    “Voter intimidation or suppression in any form must not be tolerated,” he said.

  • HEDA demands accountability from LASIEC ahead of polls

    HEDA demands accountability from LASIEC ahead of polls

    • By Udeh Onyebuchi and Fahd Bagbansoro

    The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to demonstrate integrity, neutrality, and professionalism in the conduct of upcoming local government elections.

    The call was made during the launch of the fifth volume of HEDA’s Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) report, titled “From Apathy to Action: A Reform Blueprint for SIECs and Community-Level Democracy,” held in Ikeja.

    HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, urged LASIEC to prove its independence and rise above political influence, stressing that it has a unique opportunity to rebuild public trust in state electoral processes.

    Read Also: LASIEC set for Saturday’s council polls, says agency chair

    “This is a golden opportunity for LASIEC to rewrite the narrative and prove that a state electoral body can operate independently and impartially,” Arigbabu stated.

    He also urged security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to remain neutral and avoid any actions that could undermine the credibility of the polls.

    The newly released LAR report reveals a growing distrust in State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), with only 45% of Nigerians believing they operate independently and just 41% trusting them to deliver free and fair elections.

    Arigbabu said these figures reflect a crisis of confidence, but noted that many citizens—especially youths—remain engaged and committed to democratic reforms. He urged civil society groups to remain vigilant and professional in monitoring the polls.

    He concluded by framing the report as a national call to action: “The people have spoken through our survey. It is now time for leadership to listen and act decisively.”

  • LASIEC set for Saturday’s council polls, says agency chair

    LASIEC set for Saturday’s council polls, says agency chair

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has declared its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible poll across the state’s 57 local councils.

    Speaking on a television, the LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd), affirmed the Commission’s preparedness despite taking office only a few months ago.

    “Though it is tough, considering the fact that we just came into office a few months back, we have, however, moved on very quickly with the job at hand,” she said.

    According to her, LASIEC has undertaken comprehensive stakeholder engagements across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    “We have visited all the LCDAs in the state. We had meetings with IPAC (Inter-Party Advisory Council). We had meetings with the security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police. Every stakeholder is aware of what we are doing,” she said.

    READ ALSO: 2027 and premature obituaries

    Amid speculation about the deployment of biometric technology for the election, the chairperson clarified that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would not be used at the polling units. Instead, LASIEC will adopt a simpler approach.

    “We are not using BVAS. We are using telephones for accreditation only. Voting would be manually done,” she stated.

    She added that LASIEC will rely on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) voter register for accreditation and verification.

    “INEC gave us the register of voters. Only INEC can provide that. We would use the telephones to verify the names on the register,” she explained.

    On the ongoing legal disputes on the elections, the chairperson said: “We are not in breach of the law. Everything is done in line with the Electoral Act. What is happening is that some people are misinterpreting the law. I won’t go into the details of it because the matter is in court,” she maintained.

    Addressing concerns about low voter awareness, the LASIEC boss insisted that the Commission has implemented extensive public sensitization efforts across the state.

    “We have carried along all stakeholders. Every BRT bus carries the sticker. Every Danfo bus carries the sticker. Every Keke carries the sticker. We also have billboards in all five divisions of Lagos, so everyone is aware of the coming elections,” she noted.

    The election is scheduled to hold on Saturday across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in the state.

  • Council poll: LASIEC, parties disagree over signing of Peace Accord

    Council poll: LASIEC, parties disagree over signing of Peace Accord

    • IGP deploys additional 8,000 officers for election
    • There’ll be vehicular restriction on Election Day

    Some opposition political parties yesterday refused to sign the Peace Accord facilitated by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), at the commission’s Yaba headquarters due to disagreement with the commission over registration of some of their candidates.

    Representatives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Labour Party were among the people who refused to sign the peace accord.

    However, the representative of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one other party were seen signing the peace accord.

    The aggrieved parties had earlier pleaded with LASIEC to extend the closure of registration of candidates for Saturday.

    They also said if that won’t be feasible due to LASIEC’s guidelines, the commission should consider refunding the money paid for the forms.

    Read Also: Council poll: LASIEC urges Electoral Officers on integrity, fairness

    LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), said the parties had enough time to complete their registration.

    According to her, the screening began June 26 as outlined in its April 12 timetable.

    She said the process involved validating candidates’ credentials under the Lagos State Independent Electoral Law, 2008 (as amended).

    She noted that some candidates, who failed to submit all required documents, were advised to use the open window on July 2 and 3 still missed the opportunity.

    According to her, over 80 per cent materials for the Saturday election have been printed.

    Despite her assurance that the commission would look into their requests, the parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council, refused to sign the Peace Accord.

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police, (CP) Moshood Jimoh, who was at the commission to witness the signing of the Peace Accord, said there would be vehicular restriction on Saturday.

    He, however, assured Lagosians of a peaceful and secure atmosphere ahead of the elections.

    He stated that, with the approval of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over 8,000 additional personnel have been deployed from neighboring states to reinforce security across Lagos’ 13,325 polling units.

    “In addition to our own strength in the state and the support from other security and safety agencies, we now have over 8,000 more officers. They are already being deployed directly to their assigned posts. There is no missing link. Lagosians should not entertain any fear,” he said.

    According to him, the police have conducted a thorough threat assessment and identified potential flashpoints, which have all been strategically covered in the state’s security deployment plan.

    He stressed that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free process.

    CP Jimoh dismissed fears over reports that some political parties did not sign the peace accord, insisting that the development will not affect security arrangements or the general conduct of the polls.

    “All parties have been cooperating with us in terms of security during their campaigns, primaries, and rallies. So far, there has been no cause for concern,” he said.