The local government elections in Lagos State are taking place today, marking a significant democratic exercise that will determine leadership across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state.
Residents will head to the polls to elect new chairmen and councillors who will drive development at the grassroots level for the next four years.
These elections, often described as the most immediate and impactful tier of governance, offer Lagosians the chance to shape the leadership closest to their communities.
Recognizing the importance of this exercise, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has concluded all necessary logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and credible process.
The Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Ayotunde Phillips Okikiolu-Ighile, confirmed that the commission has deployed electoral materials and personnel across 13,325 polling units throughout the state.
Voting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m. today. A total of 376 candidates are contesting for chairmanship and vice-chairmanship positions, including 57 chairmanship hopefuls and their 57 running mates.
In a move to improve the efficiency of the voting process, LASIEC will be deploying a new electronic voting technology, though the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will not be utilized. The commission has also provided for manual voting as a backup in case of technical difficulties.
According to LASIEC data, Lagos State has a total of 7,060,195 registered voters for this election cycle. Of this number, 6,214,917 voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while 845,225 cards remain uncollected. Although 19 political parties are registered in the state, only 15 will be participating in today’s election.
The commission has also prioritized inclusivity and voter accessibility. Provisions have been made to assist persons with disabilities, while elderly voters, pregnant women, and nursing mothers will be given priority at the polling stations.
To maintain law and order during the voting process, the Lagos State Police Command has announced a restriction on vehicular and waterways movement between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. today.
This time frame was adjusted from the initially proposed 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to allow room for those with urgent medical emergencies and international travel plans.
The police, in conjunction with other security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has assured the public of a peaceful and safe environment throughout the election period.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement released yesterday, encouraged all eligible voters to participate actively and peacefully in the elections. He underscored the critical role local councils play in service delivery and community development.
“The local government is the closest tier of government to the people and plays a vital role in delivering essential services and fostering grassroots development,” the Governor stated.
“This election offers Lagosians a unique opportunity to shape their local leadership by voting for chairmen and councillors who will represent their interests and deliver real impact in their communities.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the election is more than a civic duty—it is a powerful demonstration of democratic participation. “It is your right and your responsibility. I urge every registered voter to come out peacefully, cast your vote, and take part in strengthening our communities and our state through this democratic process.”
He further appealed to political parties, candidates, and their agents to conduct themselves with decorum and abide by the rules governing the election.
“I also call on our youths to avoid any form of violence. Instead, let them act as ambassadors of peace, unity, and democratic responsibility.”
Civil society organizations, party agents, and local and international observers will be monitoring the process to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness.
As the polls open across Lagos State today, the exercise stands as a critical test of democratic engagement and the effectiveness of electoral institutions at the grassroots level. It will also provide insight into the political temperature of Nigeria’s most populous state as the nation gradually builds momentum toward future general elections.