The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has warned that any incident of ballot box snatching during Saturday’s local government elections will automatically trigger a by-election in the affected area.

This was disclosed on Thursday during a press briefing by the Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), who emphasized the commission’s preparedness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election across all 57 local government areas and local council development areas in the state.

“If a ballot box is snatched anywhere, a by-election will be conducted in that location,” she stated while addressing journalists at the Tripple C Event Centre in Sabo Yaba.

While expressing hope that such disruptions would not occur, the LASIEC boss maintained that any act of electoral malpractice, particularly ballot box theft, would be met with immediate corrective action through a fresh vote.

Responding to questions from the media, LASIEC confirmed there were no threats of election postponement and reassured the public of its readiness to oversee a transparent electoral process.

The local government elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

To facilitate a smooth and secure election, the Lagos State Police Command has announced restrictions on vehicular movement on election day. In an updated directive issued on Thursday, the police revised the restriction hours to start at 6:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., adjusting the previously stated timeframe.

The statement, delivered by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, noted that the adjustment aims to ease difficulties for residents facing medical emergencies or international travel commitments.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process throughout the state.