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• Sanwo-Olu hails residents, political actors
By Lukman Olabiyi, Agatha Emeadi
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State was last night in an early lead in yesterday’s local government elections held across the 20 local governments and local council development areas (LCDA) in the state.
Voting officially ended at approximately 3:00 p.m., followed by sorting and counting of ballots in most wards. Preliminary reports from the field indicate that the APC was leading in a significant number of councils, reinforcing its stronghold in the state’s political landscape.
Election observers and party agents at various polling units indicated similar trends, noting that APC candidates were ahead in several key areas, including Lagos Island, Mainland, Surulere, Ikeja, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu and Agege, among others. However, official results were still being awaited from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
The election was marked by a noticeably low turnout of voters, with some locations recording fewer than 70 voters. Officials of the electoral umpire and civil society groups have expressed concern over the widespread voter apathy, attributing it to a range of factors, including voter fatigue, lack of confidence in the electoral process, and poor voter education.
Security agencies reported a relatively peaceful exercise, with only a few isolated cases of logistical delays and minor disputes at some polling units.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and well-coordinated conduct of the polls across the state. Speaking after casting his vote yesterday at Polling Unit 006, Ward E, Lagos Island Local Government Area at 11:10 a.m., the governor lauded the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for its efficient handling of the polls.
Accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the governor praised the calm atmosphere and the professionalism of electoral officers.
“As you can see, everything is okay here. Voting is on-going, the officers are on the ground, and I have just performed my civic responsibility. The atmosphere is peaceful, party agents are present, and within three to four minutes, everything is concluded,” he told journalists.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged minor logistical delays in the early hours of the day, mainly related to transportation restrictions. However, he noted that the situation was quickly addressed, and election materials and personnel were effectively deployed.
“The issue was just about getting people to their polling units. But as of now, the reports indicate that most areas have commenced voting,” he said.
Underscoring the significance of local governance, the governor reiterated that local governments remained a vital component of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
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He emphasized the need for their autonomy and praised the developmental strides being made across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs.
The state’s commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, called on citizens to take grassroots governance more seriously.
Despite the overall smooth conduct of the elections, some parts of Ikorodu experienced a delayed start. In the Power Line area of Ward A, voting started late, even though electoral officials and materials arrived early. The delay was attributed to the unavailability of chairs, which officials claimed were to be provided by party agents.
However, in the Aga area near the Ikorodu Club junction, voting started on time at 9:00 a.m. and the process was relatively orderly and peaceful, albeit with a low voter turnout.
A similar trend was observed in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), as electoral officials and materials arrived early at the polling units, which enabled voting to commence on schedule. The atmosphere across Iyana-Ejigbo through Adewale Adenuga/Oyebade Street, Yusuf and Joseph Streets, monitored by Sunday Sun, remained calm and orderly, with the presence of security personnel and party agents. A police officer on Joseph Street assured that “we will remain vigilant, especially when the results are announced. Most times, announcements come with tensions amidst jubilations and disputes.”
There was no incidence of violence or misconduct, a significant improvement compared to previous election cycles, often marred by unrest.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed gratitude to Lagos residents for their peaceful conduct during the election.
In a statement on Saturday night, Sanwo-Olu said: “Your peaceful conduct, sense of responsibility, and turnout across polling units have once again demonstrated the true spirit of Lagos — a state built on participation, progress, and people-centred governance.
“I commend our youths, elders, market women, artisans, professionals, and all stakeholders who exercised their right to vote with dignity and orderliness.
You have shown that democracy will continue to shape leadership when the people actively participate in elections. In other words, you reaffirmed that we are truly the “Centre of Excellence”.
he commended the security agencies, the media and electoral officials for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to ensuring a safe and credible process. Your efforts helped make today a success.”
He urged candidates and political actors to remain calm, respectful, and law-abiding as the electorate “await the official results from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).”
