The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a sweeping victory in Saturday’s Lagos State Local Government election, winning all 57 chairmanship seats and 375 councillorship seats.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, announced the results on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Sabo Yaba, Lagos.
According to her, APC also won 375 of the 376 councilorship seats, with the sole exception being one councilorship seat lost to PDP in Yaba LCDA.
The LASIEC boss applauded the residents, especially voters, for their peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
Okikiolu-Ighile also commended the residents’ enthusiasm prior to and during the exercise.
She stated that the residents’ active participation underscored the importance of local governance in service delivery and grassroots development.
The commission’s Chairman also praised security agencies and the media for their professionalism before, during, and after the polls.
“Their presence was a significant factor in maintaining a conducive, congenial atmosphere across the polling units.
“We are pleased to announce that no major cases of electoral violence or ballot snatching, voter intimidation or general breakdown of law and order were recorded,” she added.
Okikiolu-Ighile said that the commission “was pleased to report that the election was generally free, was fair, was peaceful, was orderly, was transparent, credible, and devoid of significant obstructions.”
According to her, electoral officers and ad hoc staff discharged their duties with commendable diligence and integrity.
Stating that no electoral process was without its challenges, the chairman said that the late arrival of electoral personnel and materials in some areas was due to some logistical issues.
“We acknowledge that voter apathy remains a concern and we are committed to strengthening our voter education and stakeholders’ engagement strategies relentlessly,” she added.
Okikiolu-Ighile reported that the election results have been collated and officially announced by returning officers across various wards and local council areas, as prescribed by law.
The commission’s headquarters will soon host the presentation of certificates of return to the newly elected chairpersons and councillors.
The LASIEC boss also praised the efforts of observers, civil society organisations, youth groups, women advocacy groups, traditional and religious institutions, market men and women, and other stakeholders, thanking them for their invaluable support and active engagement throughout the process.
