Despite the early morning distribution of sensitive election materials between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. under tight security, several areas in Lagos, particularly Ibeju-Lekki, are experiencing delays in commencement of voting, contrary to the official schedule by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
At the LASIEC headquarters in Yaba, security is water-tight, with heavily armed police operatives, Explosives Ordinance Department officers, NSCDC personnel, and firefighters stationed at strategic points.
LASIEC Chairman, Retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, was seen arriving the commission’s office by 7:36 a.m., as the commission prepared to oversee the poll across 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state.
LASIEC guidelines indicate that voting should hold between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., with simultaneous accreditation and voting across 13,325 polling units in Lagos.
Verification of eligible voters is expected to be done using smartphones, with a manual backup process where necessary.
Ibeju-Lekki: Election Yet to Begin as of 9:15 a.m.In Ibeju-Lekki LGA, as of 9:15 a.m., election materials had yet to arrive at several polling units.
Our correspondent observed that many units were devoid of ad-hoc staff, though voters and party agents were seen waiting patiently for the arrival of officials and materials.
The security situation in the area was calm, with no roadblocks spotted on major highways. Only a passing military truck was observed.
Meanwhile, many shops are open, and commercial vehicles continue operations, indicating minimal enforcement of movement restrictions in the axis.
Election Facts at a Glance:
6 million+ voters expected to participate.
15 political parties fielding candidates.
57 Council Chairmen and 376 Councillors to emerge.
Smartphones to be used for accreditation, backed by manual verification where needed.
Four police officers per polling unit for security coverage.
Councillorship results will be collated at 376 wards.
Chairmanship results to be collated at 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs.
With significant voter turnout expected and sensitive materials already dispatched, LASIEC and security agencies are under pressure to ensure a transparent, peaceful, and credible exercise.
More field reports are expected as voting progresses in other parts of the state.
Reporting by Angela Anyamene, Abiola Peters & Fatai Gafar