The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has responded to observations of sparse voter presence during Saturday’s local government elections, insisting that the process was efficient and turnout was not as low as perceived.
Speaking at a press briefing in Yaba shortly after the close of polls, LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd), pushed back against criticisms of voter apathy. She noted that while polling units appeared empty at times, this was largely due to the speed and ease with which voters cast their ballots.
“People didn’t have to linger at the polling stations,” she said. “Most voters completed the process in under five minutes and left immediately.”
The elections, held across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state, featured candidates from 15 political parties contesting for chairmanship, vice chairmanship, and councillorship positions.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile emphasized that the electoral process remained open and inclusive. “No political party was barred from participating,” she clarified, highlighting LASIEC’s commitment to transparency and fair competition.
The exercise, which Channels Television monitored live across various locations in Lagos, saw a relatively calm atmosphere, with no major reports of unrest or disruptions as of press time.
LASIEC encouraged Lagosians to continue engaging with local governance, stressing that community-level leadership plays a crucial role in development and accountability.
As results trickle in, stakeholders and observers await official announcements while assessing the implications of turnout and public participation on the state’s grassroots political landscape.
