Lagos State is observing a restriction on movement today, Saturday, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as local government elections take place across the state.
The Lagos State Police Command issued the revised restriction directive on Thursday in a statement signed by its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
As Lagos residents prepare to cast their votes in the Local Government elections, the state’s police authorities have announced a modification to the movement restriction initially imposed for the exercise.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an adjustment to the previously announced restriction of vehicular and waterways movement for the Local Government Elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
“(2) To alleviate the problem of residents with critical medical emergencies and appointments, and those with longtime international travel plans in and out of the country, the restriction of vehicular movement is hereby readjusted to commence at 6:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025 and not from 3am as earlier announced. Members of the Public are enjoined to cooperate and respect the new timing,” the statement read in part.
The updated order, however, provides room for exemptions. Residents with urgent medical needs, scheduled appointments, or international travel arrangements will be allowed movement flexibility.
The restriction covers all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas across the state.
Only those deemed essential workers, such as emergency service providers, election officials from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission , accredited journalists, and election observers, are permitted to move during the specified hours.
Additionally, the statement prohibits the use of armed escorts, sirens, vehicles with concealed number plates, and any state or quasi-security agency vehicles not accredited by LASIEC.
Polling Begins Slowly, Security Presence Tight in Ojodu Berger
By 9:00 a.m., some polling units in Ojodu Berger under Ikeja LGA were only just beginning to take shape. Party agents were seen arriving to begin preparations, while many early voters waited or left with intentions to return later.
There are at least four polling units in the Ojodu Berger axis, where a strong police presence is in place to ensure the enforcement of the movement restriction and to maintain calm around voting centers.
A party agent at one polling unit, who opted not to disclose his identity until voting commenced, expressed cautious optimism:
“People really want to come out,” he said.
Meanwhile, a resident, Matthew Adeolu, lamented the delay in the voting process, “We came early just so we can vote as expected but the late commencement is quite discouraging. My neighbours have left, some promised to come back to vote,” he said.
Over 900 Candidates Contesting Across Lagos
According to LASIEC, 139 candidates representing 10 political parties are contesting chairmanship positions across 57 LGAs and LCDAs.
In addition, 842 candidates from 14 parties are vying for councillorship seats in 376 wards.
While 19 political parties initially showed interest, only 15 submitted their candidate lists.
The All Progressives Congress stands out as the only party contesting all 57 council chairmanship seats and all 376 ward councillorship positions.
The Peoples Democratic Party is contesting in 45 councils and 259 wards. The Labour Party is fielding 22 chairmanship and 130 councillorship candidates. The Zenith Labour Party has presented six chairmanship and 21 councillorship candidates.
Other participating parties include Accord, African Action Congress (AAC), Action Alliance (AA), Allied People’s Movement (APM), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Youth Party (YP), Action Peoples Party (APP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
