Lagos LG Poll: Lagosians decide at grassroots as Local govt elections hold today

The distribution of election materials is currently ongoing at the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area Secretariat, where ad-hoc staff of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) are preparing for deployment to the 14 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) under Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade. Reports indicate that the process has so far been smooth, with no delays, disruptions, or missing materials as of this report.

In Ikeja Local Government Area, the distribution began earlier today. Our correspondent observed election materials being dispatched from the council secretariat to key polling units across the LGA ahead of the scheduled 8:00 a.m. start of voting.

Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed to various polling centres within Ikeja. Everything is now set for the Lagos State local government elections taking place today, Saturday, July 12, 2025.

From the mainland to the islands, political stakeholders, election observers, and residents are anticipating what many see as a low-key but significant test of the state’s political landscape.

LASIEC recently published the final list of approved candidates vying for chairmanship and councillorship positions across Lagos’ 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs. Voting is expected to begin at 8 a.m., with security personnel and materials deployed across the state’s 13,325 polling units.

Although local government elections in Nigeria often witness low turnout and limited national media focus, today’s vote in Lagos holds extra weight. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking to consolidate its grassroots dominance after the opposition made notable gains in the 2023 general elections.

Political analysts believe this election will serve as a gauge for the strength of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration and, by extension, the influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his home state.

Major Contenders: APC Defends Its Turf, LP Seeks More Ground

The APC remains the party to beat, having held power in Lagos since 1999 with a robust grassroots structure and well-established political machinery. However, the Labour Party (LP), which surprised many by winning several key polling units in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election—especially in areas like Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, and Surulere—is hoping to build on those successes locally.

LP candidates have shown notable activity in certain LGAs, but their campaign presence has varied across the state. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once Lagos’ main opposition party, has been largely absent from the spotlight, reflecting its internal challenges and declining relevance.

In the run-up to today’s vote, some civil society groups and opposition figures raised concerns about LASIEC’s preparedness, pointing to the late release of the official candidate list on July 8—just four days before the election. LP candidates have also reported intimidation, vandalised campaign materials, and fears of bias in some LGAs. One candidate in Amuwo-Odofin even alleged plans to disrupt the election, calling on LASIEC and security agencies to intervene.

Despite these concerns, LASIEC has assured Lagosians that all arrangements are in place to ensure a credible election. The commission’s chairperson, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd.), stated that provisions have been made for vulnerable voters, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to turn out in large numbers, emphasising that local governments are the closest level of government to the people and play a vital role in delivering essential services.

Security agencies, including the Lagos State Police Command, have also pledged to ensure a safe voting environment and maintain order at all polling units.

Though often overlooked, local government elections determine who controls grassroots development budgets, manages local markets, roads, schools, and sanitation, and helps shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Stay with Nigeria News 247 for live updates and comprehensive coverage from our correspondents across Lagos State.