Lagos LG Elections: CSO raises alarm over LASIEC’s preparedness and transparency

As the July 12, 2025, Lagos State Local Government Election draws near, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, a prominent civil society organisation, has voiced significant concerns regarding the preparedness and transparency of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

EiE Nigeria, a long-standing advocate for active citizenship and voter participation, asserts that LASIEC’s conduct raises serious doubts about the credibility of the upcoming polls.

EiE Nigeria, with 15 years of experience in promoting democratic engagement through initiatives like its #RSVP campaign and #myLGA Project, has been actively involved in the election process as a willing partner. Their engagement with LASIEC included formal requests for election timetables, notices, and guidelines. Collaborating with Yiaga Africa, EiE has also publicly challenged the legality of the July 12 election date, arguing it contravenes Sections 150 and 103 of the 2022 Electoral Act, a detailed position made available on their website.

Key Concerns Highlighted by EiE Nigeria:

Insufficient Election Publicity: Despite claims by LASIEC Chairman, Hon. Justice Omobolanle Abidemi Okikiolu-Ighile, of extensive voter education efforts, EiE Nigeria’s observations suggest a stark disconnect.

Their independent observations and direct interactions with Lagosians reveal a widespread lack of awareness about the elections. “Callers on our radio programs remain clueless about the elections, often commending us for performing the Commission’s responsibility of voter education,” EiE stated, underscoring the failure of widespread public awareness.

Violation of the Electoral Act 2022: EiE Nigeria remains deeply concerned that the fixed election date violates the Electoral Act. They question LASIEC’s assertion of an “interpretation” challenge and the implication that state law supersedes federal law concerning election conduct. The silence from the Lagos State government, both executive and legislative arms, on this issue is also puzzling to EiE.

Lack of Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement: EiE Nigeria questions LASIEC’s commitment to a free, fair, and credible election due to widespread concerns over transparency and due process. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representing all 19 registered political parties in Lagos, has condemned LASIEC’s unilateral release of guidelines without consulting political stakeholders, a move that violates established democratic norms. This lack of consultation extends to civil society organizations, who have noted a concerning secrecy surrounding the process and an unwillingness to communicate and engage.

As of today, the accredited observers remain unknown. Furthermore, recent protests by candidates alleging disenfranchisement due to unsupported nomination demands (specifically, PVCs of nominators, which they claim are not supported by the Electoral Act 2022 and LASIEC’s law 2025 as amended) further highlight the commission’s questionable practices. EiE also notes the Chairman’s inability to confidently explain the process from voter accreditation to result collation and transmission, and her vague responses regarding the use of technology, deepening concerns about the Commission’s preparedness.

Late Release and Inaccessibility of Validated Candidate List: LASIEC’s release of the final list of validated candidates for the July 12th elections on July 8th—just four days before the polls—is deemed wholly insufficient by EiE. This severely limits the time available for citizens and political parties to prepare. EiE finds it unacceptable that in 2025, for a progressive state like Lagos, this crucial and delayed information is not readily available on the Commission’s website or social media handles. This forces supporters and candidates from over 10 political parties across 20 LGAs to physically visit the LASIEC office to get information, a practice deemed archaic and disrespectful to the people and the process.

Disenfranchising Lagosians from Voting for their Local Government Chairman: EiE highlights a critical issue where Lagosians residing in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA would vote for an LCDA Chairman but not for the Chairman of the Eti-Osa Local Government, which is federally recognized and receives funds. While acknowledging LASG’s power to create LCDAs as administrative units, EiE believes it is illegal for LASG and LASIEC to prevent some Lagosians from voting for federally recognized local government chairmen, unless LASIEC plans to provide two ballot papers for both LCDA and LG Chairmen.

Call to Action Amidst Concerns:

The cumulative effect of these issues has led EiE Nigeria to express a lack of confidence in LASIEC’s ability to deliver a truly free, fair, and credible election on Saturday, July 12, 2025, especially considering the historically low turnout at local government elections. EiE emphasises that the mismanagement or haphazard conduct of elections at any level fundamentally undermines Nigeria’s democracy, amplifying public distrust and putting the practice of democracy at risk.

Despite these serious concerns and apparent efforts to hinder citizen participation, EiE urges all Lagosians to show up and exercise their vote. “We must continue to expose the ineptitude and failings of our institutions, not by disengaging, but by actively participating. This is how democracy functions. Do not give those who wish to undermine this process the satisfaction of your apathy,” EiE declared. The organization concludes with a powerful call to action: “Come out. Exercise your vote. And we must agree to hold LASIEC accountable together! Eko oni baje! O baje ti! God bless Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”