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By Lukman Olabiyi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a sweeping victory in the July 12 local government elections held across Lagos State, winning all the chairmanship seats and 375 out of 376 councillorship positions.
The elections organised by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), took place across 13,325 polling units in the state’s 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).
Despite low voter turnout, the exercise was largely peaceful and devoid of major incidents.
A total of 57 chairmanship and vice chairmanship seats, along with 376 councillorship positions, were contested for.
Out of 19 registered political parties, 15 participated in the election, with the APC fielding candidates for all available positions.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fielded candidates in 45 councils and 259 wards, while the Labour Party (LP) contested in 22 LGAs and 130 wards.
Other participating parties included the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), African Action Congress (AAC), Action Alliance (AA) and Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Chairman of the LASIEC, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd), commended the peaceful conduct of residents, especially the voters, during the exercise.
The LASIEC boss also said the enthusiasm displayed by residents before and during the exercise was commendable.
She said the enthusiasm displayed through active participation reinforced the shared belief in the importance of local government in service delivery and grassroots development. The commissioner also commended the security agencies and the media for their professional conduct before, during and after the polls.
“Their presence was a significant factor in maintaining a conducive, congenial atmosphere across the polling units.
“We are pleased to announce that no major cases of electoral violence or ballot snatching, voter intimidation or general breakdown of law and order were recorded.”
She said the commission “was pleased to report that the election was generally free, fair, peaceful, orderly, transparent, credible, and devoid of significant obstructions.”
According to her, electoral officers and ad hoc staff discharged their duties with commendable diligence and integrity.
Stating that no electoral process was without challenges, the chairman said that late arrival of electoral personnel and materials in some areas was due to some logistics issues.
“We acknowledge that voter apathy remains a concern and we are committed to strengthening our voter education and stakeholders’ engagement strategies relentlessly.”
She said the results of the elections had been collated and announced in accordance with the law across various wards and local council areas by returning officers.
She noted that the presentation of certificates of return to the duly elected chairmen and councillors would follow soon at the Commission’s headquarters.
The LASIEC boss also commended observers, civil society organisations, youth groups, women advocacy groups, traditional and religious institutions, market men and women and other stakeholders for their support and active participation throughout the process.
