The Lagos State Local Government and Local Council Development Area elections on Saturday were marked by widespread voter apathy and late arrival of election materials in several parts of the state.
Residents across areas such as Abule Egba, Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Ikeja largely stayed away from the polls, with many polling units witnessing little to no voter presence well into the morning.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) also faced criticism for its poor logistics.
In multiple locations, electoral officials arrived hours behind schedule, with many polling units not receiving ballot papers until past 10:00 a.m., well after the official 8:00 a.m. start time.
At President Bola Tinubu’s polling unit on Sunday Adigun Street in Ikeja, ballot papers did not arrive until around 10:20 a.m., although a significant number of voters were seen waiting.
However, at other locations such as Ikeja bus stop, Allen Roundabout, and Alausa, LASIEC officials confirmed to PM News that they were still awaiting ballot materials.
In some polling units in Ikeja, apathy was experienced as no voters had turned up by 10:00 a.m., with LASIEC officials seen idling or even sleeping due to the absence of electoral activity.
Reports from Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos mirrored similar scenes, with low voter engagement observed statewide.
Several residents interviewed expressed frustration, saying they believed their votes would not count and that the outcome was already predetermined in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
Responding to the delays, LASIEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Tope Ojo, said the commission was working to address the situation and expedite the delivery of ballot materials to affected areas.
