BREAKING NEWS

LAGOS VOTES TODAY: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS TEST GRASSROOTS POWER
It’s election day in Lagos State as residents head to the polls to choose new leaders for the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
From the busy streets of Surulere to the waterside neighborhoods of Eti-Osa, over 13,000 polling units are open today, Saturday, July 12, 2025, for what many are calling a quiet but crucial political test.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has confirmed that all preparations are in place, with election materials and security personnel fully deployed across the state. Voting began at 8 a.m., with special provisions made for elderly voters, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
While local government elections often attract lower turnout and less media attention than national polls, today's vote in Lagos carries extra weight. For the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it’s a chance to reaffirm control of its stronghold. For the Labour Party (LP)—which shocked many in 2023 by winning key urban areas—it’s an opportunity to show that its recent momentum was no fluke.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the main opposition force in Lagos, has been relatively silent during this election cycle, reflecting internal challenges and declining visibility.
Despite LASIEC’s reassurances, the lead-up to the election wasn’t without controversy. The final candidate list was released just four days before the vote—raising concerns about transparency and readiness.
Opposition candidates, especially those from the LP, have reported acts of intimidation, campaign poster vandalism, and alleged bias in some LGAs. In Amuwo-Odofin, an LP candidate claimed there were plans to disrupt the vote and called for quick action from LASIEC and security agencies.
LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd.), however, insists that the commission is ready and committed to conducting a free and credible poll.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Lagosians to come out in large numbers, reminding them that local governments are “the closest to the people” and play a vital role in delivering basic services such as waste management, local roads, markets, and schools.
The Lagos State Police Command and other security bodies have also assured voters of a safe and peaceful election environment. Officers are on the ground at all polling stations to maintain order and respond swiftly to any disruptions.
As voting continues across Lagos, residents are not just choosing local officials—they're helping shape the future of their communities and setting the stage for bigger political battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Stay with us for live updates as Lagos decides at the grassroots.
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