All is set for the Lagos State local government council elections taking place today, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in what is shaping up to be a quiet yet critical test of political strength across Nigeria’s commercial capital.
From the mainland to the islands, political stakeholders, election observers, and residents are on alert as voters head to the polls in all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has confirmed the final list of candidates vying for chairmanship and councillorship positions. Voting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., with security personnel and election materials already deployed to the 13,325 designated polling units.
Historically marked by low turnout and limited national attention, local government elections in Nigeria rarely draw intense scrutiny. However, this year’s Lagos poll carries added political weight. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking to reaffirm its longstanding grassroots dominance after experiencing electoral shakeups during the 2023 general elections.
Observers say today’s vote will serve as a crucial barometer for the popularity of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration and the lingering political influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his home state.
APC on the Defense, LP Eyes a Breakthrough
The APC, which has governed Lagos since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, enters the race as the party to beat, armed with deep-rooted political machinery and robust ward-level networks.
However, the Labour Party (LP), emboldened by its surprise wins in parts of Lagos during the 2023 presidential election—particularly in Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin, and Surulere—is aiming to convert momentum into meaningful local seats. While LP candidates have shown visibility in select areas, their statewide presence remains inconsistent.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the state’s main opposition, has been notably muted in the run-up to the polls, hampered by internal divisions and a shrinking support base.
Concerns have emerged over the transparency of the process, especially following LASIEC’s delayed release of the official candidate list on July 8—just four days before the election. LP candidates and civil society groups have alleged incidents of harassment, vandalized campaign materials, and partiality in the electoral build-up.
In Amuwo-Odofin, one LP chairmanship candidate warned of an alleged plot to disrupt the process and called on LASIEC and security agencies to step in.
Despite the concerns, LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd.), has assured voters that the commission is fully prepared. She also noted special provisions for elderly voters, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, urging residents to participate en masse, emphasized the importance of the local government tier as the closest to the people and essential for service delivery and development.
Security agencies, including the Lagos State Police Command, have also pledged to maintain law and order at polling units across the state.
Though often underreported, today’s election holds significant implications—not only for local governance and budget control but also for the broader political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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