Vote counting officially began on Saturday afternoon at Polling Unit 024 in Ward B, Makoko, Yaba, signaling the closing phase of the 2025 local government elections in Lagos State.
But what should have been a vibrant display of grassroots democracy was marred by low voter turnout, sparking concerns among stakeholders about the credibility and inclusiveness of the entire exercise.
At Polling Unit 002, also in Ward B, officials were still waiting for voters to arrive even as counting had commenced in nearby units.
“This level of voter apathy is worrying and could undermine the integrity of the elections,” one election observer remarked, echoing a growing sentiment about disengagement in the democratic process.
Across various parts of Yaba, a similar trend persisted. At Ward F, Unit 012 along Iwaya Road, voting was still ongoing late into the day, though turnout was described as “far below expectations” by electoral officials on ground.
In other sections of Iwaya, officials from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) observed that the voting process dragged slowly due to the lack of voter presence, despite a generally peaceful environment.
However, Ward G offered a contrasting picture. At St. Timothy College, polling units 001 through 005 saw a more organized and participatory atmosphere, with voters showing up steadily and casting their ballots in an orderly manner.
While the overall conduct of the election has been calm and free from major disruptions, observers have continued to raise red flags about the lack of public engagement, warning that it may affect both the perceived legitimacy and actual inclusiveness of the outcomes.
LASIEC officials made repeated appeals throughout the day, urging eligible residents to take part in the election before the 3 p.m. closing time. Still, the low turnout has left many questioning the effectiveness of civic mobilization and public trust in local governance.
As vote counting progresses across Lagos, all eyes now turn to how the electoral body will respond to concerns over participation, and what the implications might be for future elections at the grassroots level.
