The Lagos State local government elections held on Saturday witnessed a generally peaceful atmosphere but were marred by low voter turnout and late arrival of officials in many polling units.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who voted alongside his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at Ward E3, PU 006, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for a smooth and orderly process. He encouraged residents to exercise their civic rights, emphasising that local elections are vital to community development.
He also reaffirmed the independence of local governments in the state and praised the security agencies for maintaining order during the polls.
Across several locations, however, there were reports of delayed commencement of voting due to the late arrival of LASIEC officials and materials. At Ojodu LCDA, for instance, electoral activities had not started as of 10:30 a.m. in several polling units. A similar situation was observed in FESTAC Town, Ibeju-Lekki, and parts of Ifako-Ijaiye.
Despite these delays, key political figures participated in the exercise. Senator Tokunbo Abiru and his wife voted at Ward E, Unit 11, Aga Ijomu, Ikorodu, while Ifako-Ijaiye Council Chairman Usman Hamzat voted at Ward C1, PU 027. Hamzat expressed optimism about his re-election despite low early turnout.
In Isolo, the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Isa Abiodun Faronbi-Shekoni, hailed the voter turnout as encouraging. He praised both voters and LASIEC officials for their orderly conduct and expressed confidence in a fair outcome.
Meanwhile, Hon. Temitope Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1, had yet to vote by midday due to delays. In polling units across Agboyi-Ketu and Oriade LCDA, only a few voters were seen participating.
Electoral officers at some locations like Beechwood Estate, Ibeju-Lekki, and PU042 Onigbongbo were still waiting for voters as of 10:52 a.m., even though materials had arrived.
LASIEC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the delays or the low voter turnout observed in multiple local government areas.
