Lagos LG Election: Political Parties Threaten to Boycott Poll Over Inclusion of 37 LCDAs

By Dansu Peter  As Lagos State prepares for its upcoming Local Government elections, tension is rising among registered political parties fo...

By Dansu Peter 

As Lagos State prepares for its upcoming Local Government elections, tension is rising among registered political parties following the decision of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to include the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the electoral process. Several political parties have now threatened to boycott the elections unless LASIEC limits the exercise to the constitutionally recognised 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The controversy erupted during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by LASIEC with representatives of 19 registered political parties. The meeting was aimed at briefing stakeholders on preparations for the election scheduled for July 12, 2025, with a rerun planned for July 19.

Chairperson of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos, Mrs. Temilola Akinade, voiced the collective frustration of many parties, alleging that LASIEC’s new board has sidelined IPAC and other key stakeholders in the planning process. According to her, the commission released election notices and guidelines without due consultation, a move she said undermines transparency.

Akinade further questioned the legitimacy of including the 37 LCDAs, pointing to unresolved legal interpretations of the Supreme Court’s stance on local government autonomy. “Critical questions remain unanswered regarding the status of the LCDAs and their place in the electoral process,” she stated.

Mr. Ayinde Olawale of the African Congress for Change (ACC) was more direct, declaring that his party would boycott the polls if the 37 LCDAs are not excluded. Similarly, Mr. Dele Oladeji, State Chairman of the Action Party (AP), called on LASIEC to improve engagement with political parties and ensure clarity on the legal framework guiding the elections.

In response to the growing dissent, LASIEC Chairman Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighile (retd) defended the commission’s actions, explaining that the workload since the board’s assumption of duty on January 10 had limited earlier consultations. However, she assured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to a transparent and credible election.

“The law only mandates the commission to consult with IPAC before releasing guidelines, which are scheduled for publication on April 17. This meeting was convened to ensure your views are captured,” she said.

She stressed LASIEC’s neutrality and dedication to conducting a free and fair election. “We are not affiliated with any political party. We are here to serve Lagos and ensure a credible process,” she affirmed.

Justice Okikiola-Ighile also outlined key provisions in the election guidelines, urging all parties to adhere to the electoral timetable. She announced that female aspirants would enjoy a 50% reduction in administrative fees, and that validated candidate lists would be published at LASIEC’s headquarters following the screening process.

Despite LASIEC’s reassurances, the threat of a mass boycott looms large, as political parties remain adamant that elections must reflect constitutional realities—not political convenience.