By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB)
Tomorrow, July 12, 2025, Lagos State stands at a critical juncture as over seven million registered voters prepare to cast their ballots in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) elections. This electoral exercise, orchestrated by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), is more than a routine civic duty—it is a litmus test for the vitality of grassroots democracy in Nigeria’s economic heartbeat. With 20 LGAs, 37 LCDAs, and 376 wards in contention, the elections promise to shape the future of local governance, influence community development, and set the tone for political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Stakes: Why Local Elections Matter
Local government elections, often overshadowed by national contests, are the bedrock of democracy. They empower communities to choose leaders who directly impact their daily lives—overseeing essential services like waste management, primary education, healthcare, and local infrastructure. In Lagos, where over 90% of public services are rooted in the local council structure, credible elections are vital to sustaining the state’s reputation as a pacesetter in governance and urban administration. As one observer aptly noted, “If governance is truly about the people, then the closest government to the people—the local government—should matter the most.
The 2025 elections come at a time of heightened scrutiny, following the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 constitutionally recognized LGAs. This landmark decision underscores the importance of democratically elected councils, as only such bodies can access federal funds. However, the status of Lagos’s 37 LCDAs remains contentious, as they lack constitutional recognition. While LASIEC has announced that elections will proceed across all 57 councils (20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs), concerns persist about their legal standing and the transparency of the process.
The Electoral Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, led by Hon. Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), has outlined an ambitious framework for the July 12 polls. With 15 political parties vying for 57 chairmanship seats and 376 councillorship positions, the elections offer a diverse field of candidates, including a historic surge in female participation—a milestone for gender inclusion in Nigerian politics. LASIEC’s decision to waive form fees for women, youths, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) has broadened the candidate pool, featuring professionals, entrepreneurs, and grassroots mobilizers running on platforms of inclusive governance and community-driven development.
Yet, the electoral process is not without controversy. The announced election date of July 12 falls outside the legal window stipulated by the Electoral Act 2022 (February 25 to June 25, 2025), raising concerns about its validity. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representing all 19 registered political parties in Lagos, has criticized LASIEC for issuing guidelines without stakeholder consultation, violating democratic norms. Civil society groups, including the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) and EiE Nigeria, have also flagged irregularities, such as the late publication of candidate lists and the selective enforcement of the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law, 2025, which was signed on May 7 but delayed until August 4—post-election. This delay, critics argue, risks creating a legal vacuum and undermining electoral fairness.
Adding to the tension, opposition parties have alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is plotting voter intimidation in their strongholds, while posts highlight claims of unopposed APC candidates in some LGAs and threats from non-political actors like the NURTW boss. These concerns, coupled with a historically low voter turnout (11% in 2021), underscore the challenge of fostering public trust and participation.
A Call to Action: The Power of the Vote
Despite these challenges, the July 12 elections present a golden opportunity for Lagosians to shape their communities. From Agege to Lekki, Epe to Badagry, every vote cast is a step toward strengthening the soul of the Centre of Excellence. LASIEC has assured voters of a free, fair, and credible process, backed by robust security measures, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying 30,000 officers across the state to ensure peace. The commission has also warned that ballot snatching will trigger by-elections, signaling a commitment to electoral integrity.
The APC, which dominated the 2021 elections by winning all chairmanship seats and 375 of 377 councillorship positions, faces a test of its grassroots dominance. Meanwhile, parties like the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are striving to make inroads, though LP notably lacks candidates in several councils, including Surulere, Lekki, and Ikeja. The performance of all parties in this election will serve as a prelude to 2027, offering insights into shifting political dynamics.
The Path Forward: Building Trust and Accountability
For the 2025 elections to truly advance grassroots democracy, LASIEC must address the concerns raised by stakeholders. Immediate publication of the revised LASIEC Law, full transparency in candidate details, and adherence to federal electoral standards are critical steps. Civil society groups have called for digitized electoral processes and continued monitoring to ensure accountability, emphasizing that “local government must not become a breeding ground for impunity.
Lagosians, too, have a role to play. With over seven million registered voters, the power to shape local governance lies in their hands. The low turnout in 2021 must not be repeated. As the Bible reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Voting is not just a civic duty but a moral imperative to build communities that reflect justice, progress, and inclusivity.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment
The July 12, 2025, elections are more than a contest for council seats—they are a referendum on Lagos’s commitment to democratic ideals. As voters head to the polls, they carry the responsibility of shaping a future where local governance is transparent, inclusive, and responsive. Let Lagos rise above apathy, embrace its democratic mandate, and set a standard for grassroots governance that resonates across Nigeria. Come July 12, let every voice be heard, and every vote count. Eko oni baje!
