Low turnout, logistical lapses mar Lagos LG polls despite peaceful conduct

Widespread voter apathy and logistical challenges characterized the Lagos State Local Government Elections held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, as multiple polling units across the state recorded low turnout and operational setbacks despite a generally peaceful atmosphere.

The election, conducted by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), marked the state’s first local council poll since 2021.

At Polling Unit (PU) 085, Ward F, located near Shoprite in Ikeja, voting began early, but enthusiasm was visibly lacking. By 1:30 p.m., only five voters had cast their ballots out of 62 registered voters, a poll official confirmed.

A similar pattern was reported at PU 033, Ward E, which covers communities such as Anthony, Mende, Ajao Estate, and Maryland. Despite an early start around 9 a.m., turnout remained negligible by 1:20 p.m.

In PU 004, Ward B, situated beside the Pension Office in the Ikeja Barracks area, voting was orderly, but observers described voter participation as minimal.

At PU 013, Lawal Junction, in Onigbongbo LCDA, voting began at 9:30 a.m. with election materials and officials on ground. However, by midday, fewer than 50 voters had shown up out of 803 registered voters—a turnout of less than 6%.

In Alimosho LGA, Nigeria’s most populous local government area, logistical setbacks were observed. At PU 009, located at 39 Ekoro Junction in Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, LASIEC officials disclosed the absence of an official voter register, forcing them to manually write names of voters on loose sheets for accreditation.

Despite the irregularity, voters were allowed to cast their ballots, though concerns were raised over the credibility and transparency of the process.

Election observers and local stakeholders acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the exercise in most areas visited. There were no reports of violence, ballot box snatching, or disruptions as at the time of filing this report (2:39 p.m.), with voting ongoing in several locations.

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However, the persistent low voter turnout reinforced long-standing criticisms of voter apathy during local government elections in Lagos—a trend attributed to limited voter awareness, perceived irrelevance of council leadership, and low public trust in the electoral process.

Speaking on the trend, Dr. Tunde Olagunju, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos, said the recurring low turnout is a “symptom of institutional disconnection.”

“Local governments are the closest tier to the people, yet they remain the most disconnected. If citizens don’t see real governance at the grassroots, they won’t show up to vote,” he noted.

Civic education advocate Amaka Odili also emphasized the need for sustained voter engagement beyond election day.

“LASIEC and civil society need to invest more in civic awareness. People will not vote if they don’t understand what’s at stake,” she said.

Voting officially closed at 3:00 p.m., and result counting and collation began at the polling units shortly after. LASIEC is expected to announce official results for chairmanship and councillorship positions across the 57 council areas in the coming hours.

As Lagos awaits final results, Saturday’s exercise once again highlights the urgent need to reinvigorate grassroots democracy and rebuild public confidence in the local electoral process.