Lagos State is gearing up for its highly anticipated local government elections on Saturday, July 12, 2025, as announced by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
The polls will elect 57 council chairmen and 376 councillors across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), shaping the future of grassroots governance in Nigeria’s commercial hub. With over 7 million registered voters, Lagos is poised for a significant democratic exercise that will influence local services and community development.
The election comes as the tenure of current local government officials nears its end on July 27, 2025. LASIEC has emphasized its commitment to a free, fair, and transparent process, with campaigns running from April 18 to July 9.
However, concerns have been raised about the election date falling outside the legal window stipulated by the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates elections between February 25 and June 25, 2025.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has also criticized LASIEC for limited stakeholder consultation, sparking debates about transparency.
To ensure security, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed over 30,000 personnel and imposed a movement restriction from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM on election day.
Residents are urged to participate actively, as local governance directly impacts daily life, from road maintenance to waste management.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has highlighted the importance of credible elections to sustain Lagos’ reputation as a governance pacesetter.
Despite legal and procedural concerns, the LASIEC Chairman assures a level playing field for all political parties. With the All Progressives Congress (APC) dominating the 2021 elections, all eyes are on whether opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or others can make inroads this time.
Voters are encouraged to verify their polling units and make their voices count in this pivotal election.