With Lagos residents set to vote in local government elections on Saturday (tomorrow), political tensions are rising across the state amid competing messages of civic duty, electoral boycotts, and allegations of political intimidation.
Addressing residents on Friday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called on eligible voters to come out en masse and participate peacefully in the elections.
Describing the polls as a “powerful expression” of democratic responsibility, the governor emphasised the role of local councils in delivering essential services and driving grassroots development.
“This election is not just a constitutional process; it is a powerful expression of your voice and your civic responsibility; it is your right. I urge every registered voter to go out peacefully tomorrow, cast your vote, and be a part of the democratic process that strengthens our communities and our state.
“To ensure a safe, orderly, and credible election, I have directed that security agencies be strategically deployed across all polling units and communities. Law enforcement officials will be present to protect voters, electoral officials, and election materials.
“The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has assured me that they are ready for the election,” he stated on his social media platforms.
Sanwo-Olu assured residents of strategic deployment of security personnel to safeguard voters, electoral officials, and materials, urging political stakeholders to conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the rule of law.
He also called on the youth to shun any form of violence and instead act as ambassadors of peace and democratic responsibility.
“I assure you that Lagos will continue to set the pace in democratic development. I, therefore, affirm my administration’s commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections that reflect the will of our people.
“Let us show the world once again that Lagos stands for peace, progress, and participatory governance,” the governor added.
However, the political atmosphere ahead of the elections is anything but calm.
NNPP Boycotts Election Over Alleged Irregularities
In a dramatic development, the Lagos State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced its boycott of the elections, citing what it described as irregularities and disregard for the rule of law by LASIEC.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Mrs. Ronnie Dikko-Kila, the NNPP accused LASIEC of planning to conduct elections in 57 councils—20 constitutionally recognised local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs)—in defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that recognises only the 20 LGAs.
“We have observed with profound dismay the systematic undermining of democratic principles in the run-up to these local government elections,” stated Dikko-Kila.
“Our decision to boycott is not taken lightly, but it is a necessary stand against an electoral system designed to disenfranchise, rather than empower, the citizens of Lagos State.”
The party also accused LASIEC of imposing “exorbitant and illegal nomination fees” and failing to guarantee a transparent process.
The party said the boycott is intended to highlight the urgent need for electoral reforms and has been endorsed by its national leadership.
“We refuse to lend legitimacy to a process that is fundamentally flawed and designed to produce a pre-orchestrated outcome,” the Chairman asserted.
“Our primary objective as a political party is to serve the people and uphold the tenets of democracy. Participating in a sham election would be a disservice to our members and the good people of Lagos State.”
Labour Party (LP) Alleges Violence, Intimidation
Also raising the alarm is the Lagos State chapter of the LP, which has condemned a spate of politically motivated attacks on its candidates and campaign teams.
In a statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Adeola Onikoyi Esq., the party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and some traditional rulers of orchestrating harassment aimed at undermining the opposition.
A particularly controversial incident occurred in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun area where the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, reportedly dethroned six chiefs for attending the LP’s campaign flag-off without his consent.
The party called the move a “thinly veiled” attempt to suppress political plurality.
In another incident, LP’s chairmanship candidate in Ojo Local Government, Olumayowa Akogun‑Abudu, a retired military officer, narrowly escaped harm when his campaign convoy was reportedly disrupted by suspected thugs.
The attack was allegedly led by a traditional ruler.
“These incidents are not isolated. They are part of a broader, dangerous pattern aimed at silencing the growing voice of the people who are tired of misgovernance. Lagos Labour will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced,” Onikoyi said, while calling on security agencies and LASIEC to protect democratic integrity.
He noted that the party is taking all necessary steps to protect our candidates, supporters, and most importantly, the votes of the people.
“Democracy is not a gift from the ruling class; it is a right of the people. We will continue to defend that right with courage, resilience, and the support of Lagosians who are yearning for a better future,” Onikoyi added.
APC Silent On Allegations
Efforts by our correspondent to reach the APC’s Lagos spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, for a response to the allegations were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile line went unanswered.
Meanwhile, speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), declared that any incident of ballot box snatching during the election will result in a by-election in the affected area.
“There will be by-elections if a ballot box is snatched anywhere,” she said.
She assured residents of LASIEC’s readiness to deliver a free, fair, and credible poll across the 57 local councils in the state.
While the state government touts readiness and security assurances, opposition parties warn of a compromised process.
As Lagosians prepare to head to the polls, the clash between official optimism and opposition skepticism underscores a deeper struggle over democratic legitimacy in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
