Lagos Council Elections Proceed Smoothly As Sanwo-Olu Lauds LASIEC’s Efficiency.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his satisfaction with the peaceful and well-organised conduct of the local government elections held across the state on Saturday, 12 July 2025. The elections, which took place in 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), saw residents voting to elect new chairmen and councillors in a process described as orderly and efficient.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, cast his vote at Polling Unit 006, Ward E, St. Stephen’s Nursery and Primary School, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, at 11:10 a.m. Speaking to journalists after voting, the governor praised the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for its effective coordination of the polls. He noted that despite minor logistical challenges in the early hours, primarily due to vehicular movement restrictions, these issues were swiftly resolved, ensuring a smooth electoral process. “Everything is running smoothly here. Voting is ongoing, electoral officers are present, and the atmosphere is calm. Party agents are on ground, and the entire process takes just three to four minutes,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
The governor highlighted the critical role of local government as the tier closest to the people, emphasising its importance in delivering essential services and fostering grassroots development. He commended the chairmen and councillors across Lagos for aligning with the state’s THEMES Plus development agenda and contributing to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope vision. “Our councils have embraced the THEMES Plus agenda, and their commitment to service delivery is evident, even at the LCDA level. They are executing impactful projects and competing to drive development,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the professionalism of security agencies, electoral officials, and the media, whose efforts ensured a credible and safe process. Over 20,000 law enforcement officers, including members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), were deployed across the state’s 13,325 polling units to maintain order. LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, confirmed the commission’s preparedness, with special provisions made for pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly to vote comfortably.
Despite the overall success, some areas, such as parts of Ikorodu, experienced minor delays due to logistical issues, including the late arrival of materials. However, these were promptly addressed, and voting proceeded peacefully, albeit with reports of low voter turnout in certain polling units, such as those in Ikoyi and Obalende. Political analysts noted that the elections served as a significant test of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration and the enduring influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, particularly following opposition gains in the 2023 general elections.
The governor urged residents to continue participating in the democratic process, describing the election as a powerful expression of civic responsibility. “This is not just a constitutional exercise; it’s about shaping the leadership of our communities. I encourage all Lagosians to come out and vote,” he said. Sanwo-Olu also expressed gratitude to voters for their orderly conduct and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections.
As Lagos awaits the official results from LASIEC, the governor called on candidates and political stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding. He thanked the residents for their turnout, which he said demonstrated the true spirit of Lagos as a state built on participation, progress, and people-centred governance.
