The 2025 Lagos State Local Government Elections began on a smooth note Saturday morning, with early deployment of electoral materials and commendable coordination by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
Reports from across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) indicated that logistics were largely efficient, although voter turnout varied significantly from area to area.
In Yaba LCDA, LASIEC officials dispatched electoral materials from the council headquarters by 8:05 a.m., with timely distribution across the nine wards. At Ward A, Units 001 and 002 in Adekunle, accreditation and voting commenced by 8:55 a.m., according to polling officers.
The Secretary to Yaba LCDA, Hon. Adetayo Oyemade, who conducted journalists around several polling units, commended the smooth coordination by LASIEC and the peaceful conduct of the election. He noted that the council had partnered with the electoral umpire to ensure a credible process.
“We partnered LASIEC to ensure this election is smooth and credible,” Oyemade said. “We also carried out sensitization campaigns before today, urging residents to come out and vote. We believe more voters will still show up before the close of polls.”
At Unit 016 within the LCDA, a supervisory officer confirmed that materials were made available to them as early as 6:00 a.m., allowing prompt setup and early commencement of voting.
In Makoko, under the Yaba LCDA, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Hon. Saheed Oladimeji, expressed satisfaction with the turnout in the area. Speaking with WesternLifeNewsNG, he described the voting process as encouraging and praised residents for coming out in large numbers.
“The turnout in Makoko is impressive. We’ve been seeing voters trooping in since morning. It shows that our people are interested in grassroots governance and are ready to play their part,” Hon. Oladimeji stated.
Similar scenes were observed in Mushin LGA and Ilupeju LCDA, where party agents also commended the early deployment and conduct of the exercise.
While some areas experienced large voter participation, WesternLifeNewsNG noted low turnout in several urban centers, especially in the early hours of voting. Despite the calm atmosphere and prompt distribution of materials, voter apathy remains a concern.
Observers attribute this trend to growing disillusionment with local governance and a lack of awareness about the powers and responsibilities of local councils. Nonetheless, LASIEC officials and security personnel continued to encourage eligible voters to come out and cast their ballots.
Reports by Babs-Oluribigbe Adeoye and Lanre Akinpelu
