A growing dispute has emerged in Lagos State as several political parties threaten to boycott the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025. Their opposition stems from the inclusion of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which they argue are not constitutionally recognized.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversy gained momentum during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), which had representatives from 19 registered political parties in attendance. While LASIEC assured stakeholders of its commitment to delivering transparent, inclusive, and credible elections, tensions rose over the commission’s decision to involve the 37 LCDAs in the electoral process.

Temilola Akinade, Chairperson of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos, criticized LASIEC for sidelining key stakeholders, particularly IPAC, during the drafting of electoral guidelines. She also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the Supreme Court’s stance on local government autonomy and how it applies to the LCDAs created by the Lagos State Government.

Some political parties, including the Accord Party, Labour Party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Congress (APC), voiced objections. Ayinde Olawale of the Accord Party made it clear that his party would not participate if the 37 LCDAs remained part of the elections. Similarly, Dele Oladeji of the Action Party emphasized the need for LASIEC to adhere strictly to legal frameworks and enhance its engagement with political parties.

Responding to the backlash, LASIEC Chairperson Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighile (retd.) acknowledged the commission’s limited interaction with IPAC due to the board’s recent appointment on January 10. She reaffirmed LASIEC’s respect for all political parties and noted that the stakeholders’ meeting was aimed at resolving such tensions collaboratively.

Justice Okikiola-Ighile further detailed the electoral process, urging parties to comply with the official timeline. She added that female candidates would benefit from a 50% reduction in administrative fees and assured that the list of verified candidates would be made public at the commission’s headquarters.

With the countdown to the polls underway, the standoff over the 37 LCDAs could shape the credibility and outcome of the elections unless swiftly resolved.