The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC has announced that the All Progressives Congress, APC recorded sweeping victory in the just concluded local government election, across twenty local governments and thirty-seven Council Development Areas.
Chairman of LASIEC, Retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, who announced this at a post-election news conference at the commission’s headquarters in Yaba, disclosed that APC candidates won all fifty-seven chairmanship seats, contested during the election.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile disclosed that the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Babatunde Dosunmu, won the councillorship seat in Ward D, under Yaba LCDA, while the APC secured victory in the remaining three hundred and seventy-five wards.
While acknowledging the late commencement of election in some parts of Lagos, as well as the reported Voter apathy, the LASIEC chairman disclosed that the commission would heighten voter education and stakeholders engagement to address the issue.
“While we recognise that no electoral process is without its challenges, the elections commenced late in some Polling units due to some logistics hitches, culminating in the late arrival of personnel and materials, however, LASIEC as an electoral management body swiftly intervened. Also, cases of disruption of the electioneering process were promptly addressed by the Nigeria Police and other security operatives”
She maintained that the election was free, fair, inclusive and credible, as no major case of electoral malpractice was recorded during the polls.
“We are pleased to announce that no major cases of electoral violence, ballot snatching, voter intimidation or general breakdown of law and order was recorded. However we acknowledge that voter apathy remains a concern and we are committed to strengthening our voter education and stakeholder engagement strategies relentlessly.”
Retired Justice Okikiolu-Ighile commended Lagosians for their peaceful conduct and willingness to engage in the democratic process towards grassroots development.
“Kindly allow me commence this session by commending the good people of Lagos State for their peaceful conduct and maturity during the election. Your willingness to engage in the democratic process reinforces our shared belief in the importance of local government in service delivery and grassroots development”.
She applauded security agencies for the professional acumen and vigilance displayed before, during and after the election, and also appreciated the Media for the comprehensive and unbiased coverage of the electioneering process.
“My profound appreciation also goes to you, the media, for the coverage of the electioneering process, culminating in the determination of the Peoples Mandate. This played a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, public awareness and confidence in the process. As partners in democracy, your continued support strengthens our collective resolve to build a more inclusive, credible and participatory electoral system in Lagos State.”
The LASIEC Boss however admonished the elected officials to see their victory as a call to service, just as she encouraged those that lost, to channel their grievances to the Election Petition Tribunal.
“To the winners of this election, I congratulate you. But let me quickly remind you that this is not a call for celebration alone, but a call to service for humanity. To those who did not succeed at the polls, I encourage you not to lose faith in the democratic process. Democracy thrives through continuous participation, dialogue and perseverance. We urge all political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace decorum and channel their concerns or grievances through appropriate legal platforms”.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile disclosed that the presentation of Certificates-of-Return to the elected fifty-seven chairmen and three hundred and seventy-six councillors will follow suit at the commission’s headquarters, in line with Section 61 of the amended LASIEC Law 2008.
The commissioner of police in Lagos, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, Deputy Director of DSS, Dr. Sheu Sheu, Commissioners of LASIEC including Chief Hakeem Oluwo-Durojaiye Mr. Dele Adekanye and the Commission’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Fashola were present at the news conference.
Reporting by Akinboye Akintola.