The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission has confirmed that preparations for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025, are complete, with logistics and security fully in place.
“We are very prepared—extremely prepared,” LASIEC Chair Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.) told reporters during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters. “We have visited all 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas, assessed their storage facilities, and asked councils to refurbish or provide new ones where necessary.”
Okikiolu-Ighile disclosed that Lagos State currently has 7,060,195 registered voters. However, only 6,214,970 permanent voter cards have been collected, leaving 845,225 unclaimed. The upcoming elections will be conducted across 13,325 polling units, significantly increased from the approximately 8,000 used in 2021. The expansion was implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve access for residents.
As part of its operational changes, LASIEC has recruited 57 assistant electoral officers from the state civil service to work with its 57 electoral officers.
“We won’t rely on NYSC members this time,” Okikiolu-Ighile explained. “After their service year they move on, and that created difficulties when ad-hoc staff were needed to testify in post-election tribunals.”
In terms of security, the commission revealed that various formations have committed to ensuring comprehensive deployment during the election.
“At the minimum, four different security agencies will be present at every polling unit,” the chair stated. She also noted that personnel from the police, DSS, navy, and air force will be on standby across land, sea, and air. LASIEC has additionally briefed the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja to highlight the state’s security requirements.
To boost voter turnout, the commission is deploying a mix of public awareness tools, including billboards, market sensitisation efforts, radio jingles, and bus stickers.
“Your vote is your power,” Okikiolu-Ighile said. “If citizens sit at home and later complain, what will LASIEC count?”
Addressing public concerns about the location of some polling units, the LASIEC chair clarified the commission’s role in siting:
“LASIEC does not site polling units—INEC does. What we observed are units a few yards from palaces, mosques or churches for voters’ convenience, not inside them.”
In a bid to support inclusivity, LASIEC has held engagements with persons with disabilities (PWDs) and has waived nomination-form fees for PWDs, women, and youth candidates. “Disability or no disability, LASIEC recognises every eligible voter’s duty and benefit,” she noted.
Of the 19 political parties registered in Lagos State, 15 have obtained forms to contest the election. The LASIEC chair dismissed allegations that the commission would be partial against opposition parties:
“LASIEC is not biased. Anybody who wins will be returned.”
She added that election results would be declared promptly. “As soon as ward and collation-centre counts are completed,” the announcement will be made.
With final training sessions underway and security agencies on alert, LASIEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the July 12 elections are free, fair, transparent, and conclusive.
