LG Election: LASIEC to Release Official Guidelines Today – Justice Ighile, Reveals Concession for Female Aspirants

By Dansu Peter  Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighile As preparations for the July 2025 Local Government elections in Lagos State intensify, th...

By Dansu Peter 

Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighile

As preparations for the July 2025 Local Government elections in Lagos State intensify, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is set to officially release election guidelines today, April 17. This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighile (retd), during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held with leaders of 19 registered political parties in Lagos.

In a significant move to promote gender inclusion, Justice Ighile announced that female aspirants would enjoy a 50 percent concession on administrative fees, underscoring LASIEC's commitment to inclusivity and balanced representation in the democratic process.

While reaffirming LASIEC’s readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible poll, Justice Ighile emphasized the Commission’s neutrality. “We are not for any political party; we are LASIEC. Our role is to ensure a transparent electoral process and uphold the trust placed in us by the people of Lagos,” she stated.

The upcoming elections, scheduled for July 12 with a re-run fixed for July 19, will cover the 20 constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created by the Lagos State Government. However, this inclusion of LCDAs has sparked contention among some political parties, with a few threatening to boycott the polls.

Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mrs. Temilola Akinade, raised concerns over what she described as the Commission's “neglect” of critical stakeholders, citing the absence of consultations before the initial release of the election notice. She also called for clarity regarding the legal standing of the 37 LCDAs in light of Supreme Court pronouncements on local government autonomy.

Echoing these concerns, representatives from the African Congress for Change (ACC) and the Allied Peoples Party (APP) voiced objections, warning against the recognition of LCDAs in the election, which they argue contravenes constitutional provisions.

Responding, Justice Ighile explained that the Commission had been fully engaged with preparations since assuming office on January 10 and assured that LASIEC remains open to dialogue and constructive input from all political actors.

“Our decision to call this stakeholders’ meeting before the release of the guidelines today reflects our respect for IPAC and the political parties. We are committed to a process that is inclusive and transparent,” she affirmed.

The Commission also reiterated that political parties must collect nomination forms from the LASIEC headquarters and adhere strictly to the electoral timetable and procedures outlined in the forthcoming guidelines. After the verification process, the list of validated candidates will be published at the LASIEC headquarters.

With today’s release of the official guidelines, the electoral process in Lagos moves a step closer to the ballot, as all eyes turn to LASIEC to deliver a poll reflective of the state’s democratic aspirations.