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| LASIEC Presents Certificate to Local Government Winner – July 2025 |
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission held a formal event to hand out certificates of return to every newly elected chairman, vice chairman, and councillor in the state’s 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs. Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, the LASIEC chair, praised voters, party agents, and more than 45,000 ad-hoc staff for their role in the July 12 polls . She noted some slow starts in voter accreditation but said security forces stepped in quickly to keep peace .
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile said these certificates mark a fresh start in local politics. She reminded officials that their term begins on July 26, 2025, once the current local terms end . She urged them to serve people with honesty and hard work. Her words set a hopeful tone for what comes next.
The July 12 election covered 57 chairmanship posts and 376 council seats across 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs . LASIEC registered 760,195 voters for the poll. Over 13,325 security officers—four at each polling unit—ensured order on voting day . These numbers show the scale of the exercise and the care taken to keep it fair.
Early on election day, some polling units in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, and Ojo saw low turnout. In one Oshodi-Isolo unit, election staff showed up late with materials . That hiccup drew questions from residents and party agents. But LASIEC blamed traffic and logistical snags. They said staff had been trained for the task.
Meanwhile, sensitive and non-sensitive materials moved from storehouses to polling units under guard. The process began in Amuwo-Odofin on July 12. Senior ad-hoc staff said they felt ready. They vowed every unit would get materials on time . Security officers stood by to keep both materials and staff safe.
Party results showed the All Progressives Congress won most seats. APC swept chair and council posts in many areas across both LGAs and LCDAs . Other parties won few seats, though some areas saw tight races. Observers said APC’s strong ground game made the difference.
After certificates were handed out, Ajeromi-Ifelodun chairman-elect Akindikpe Olaleko Olu shared his goals. He plans a weekly food drive called “Ounje Ajegunle” to fight hunger in each ward. He’ll also keep the annual security summit going and push to tar all local roads . He asked residents for patience and support as plans move from paper to action.
In Amuwo-Odofin, Prince Lanre Sanusi focused on roads in FESTAC. He blamed a federal agency for past neglect. He promised fast repairs and new lanes on major streets . He said better roads will boost trade and ease travel for families.
Some groups called on LASIEC to stay fair. The African Democratic Congress warned the commission to act with full impartiality. ADC said it fielded candidates in all 20 LGAs per a 2024 Supreme Court ruling on local autonomy . The party’s Lagos chair said people will judge the commission by how free the poll felt.
Other voices raised fresh doubts. The Youth Party accused some LASIEC field officers of threats during screening. They said a few candidates felt intimidated before voting began . LASIEC replied that all staff must follow a strict code of conduct. Any breach would lead to swift action.
Ahead of July 12, the Lagos Assembly once summoned LASIEC leaders to explain poll plans. Lawmakers said a tight talk between the assembly and the commission would boost trust . That meeting helped smooth out rules on materials, staffing, and security.
LASIEC warned that any ballot-box snatching would trigger a by-election in affected areas. The commission asked voters to report problems fast so justice can move swiftly . The police said they stand ready to act on any alert.
This ceremony closes the chapter on elections and opens a new one in local rule. The new leaders will take office on July 26, 2025. They now carry the hopes of millions who cast ballots this month. Decisions they make in the next years will shape life in Lagos neighborhoods.
For now, the focus rests on quick action. Residents wait to see roads fixed, food made cheaper, and security kept tight. The certificates in hand remind officials of their promise. They have four years to show they can deliver.
Lagos voters will watch closely. They cheered the peace and order of the vote. They will cheer again when their councils bring results. The true test lies in council chambers and community streets.
The hand-over event by LASIEC sets clear goals. Honest service. Fair play. Steady progress on key needs. The commission’s role did not end with the polls. It now watches over the start of each new council. If any trouble looms, voters know how to speak up. The same care that ran the election must guard the fresh term ahead.
Lagos local chiefs must now build trust through action. They can’t rest on certificates alone. Their work will show if the hand-over means real change. The state watches as they open offices, meet staff, and shape budgets. Citizens stand ready to call out any slip.
This new council era could rise or stall. It could ease daily life, or leave hopes unmet. All sides share one wish: that these hand-over certificates mark a bright turn for Lagos communities.