The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission says all logistics and security arrangements for the July 12, 2025 local government elections are in place.
“We are very prepared—extremely prepared,” LASIEC Chair Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.) told reporters at the commission’s headquarters. “We have visited all 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas, assessed their storage facilities, and asked councils to refurbish or provide new ones where necessary.”
According to the retired jurist, Lagos has 7,060,195 registered voters, but only 6,214,970 permanent voter cards have been collected, leaving 845,225 unclaimed.
The forthcoming poll will use 13,325 polling units, up from about 8,000 in 2021—a change driven by the Independent National Electoral Commission to bring polling points closer to residents.
LASIEC has recruited 57 assistant electoral officers from the state civil service to work alongside its 57 electoral officers.
“We won’t rely on NYSC members this time,” Okikiolu-Ighile explained.
“After their service year they move on, and that created difficulties when ad-hoc staff were needed to testify in post-election tribunals.”
The commission said security formations have pledged robust deployment.
“At the minimum, four different security agencies will be present at every polling unit,” the chair stated, adding that personnel from the police, DSS, navy and air force will be on standby across land, sea and air. LASIEC also briefed the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja to underscore Lagos’ needs.
Billboards, market outreaches, radio jingles and bus stickers are being used to combat voter apathy.
“Your vote is your power,” Okikiolu-Ighile said. “If citizens sit at home and later complain, what will LASIEC count?”
Responding to claims that some polling units are inside monarchs’ palaces, she clarified, “LASIEC does not site polling units—INEC does. What we observed are units a few yards from palaces, mosques or churches for voters’ convenience, not inside them.”
Meeting separately with persons with disabilities, the commission waived nomination–form fees for PWDs, women and youth candidates. “Disability or no disability, LASIEC recognises every eligible voter’s duty and benefit,” she noted.
Although 19 political parties are registered in Lagos, only 15 purchased forms to field candidates. Okikiolu-Ighile dismissed insinuations that LASIEC would refuse to declare opposition victories: “LASIEC is not biased. Anybody who wins will be returned.”
Election results will be announced “as soon as ward and collation-centre counts are completed,” she added.
With final trainings under way and security agencies on alert, LASIEC insists the July 12 ballot will be free, fair, transparent and conclusive.