As Lagos prepares for Local Government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, has expressed serious concerns over the preparedness, transparency, and legality of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) in conducting the polls.
EiE, which has been actively monitoring the electoral process, called out several lapses that it says undermine the credibility of the elections.
In a statement released ahead of the elections, EiE Nigeria criticized LASIEC for what is described as poor voter education and limited public awareness.
“Despite the Chairman’s claims of extensive voter education, our observations reveal a stark disconnect. Callers on our radio programs are unaware of the elections and commend us for doing what LASIEC should be doing,” the group stated, referencing supposed voter sensitization efforts in UNILAG and on BRT buses as insufficient.
The organization, in partnership with Yiaga Africa, had questioned the legality of the July 12 election date, arguing that it violates Sections 150 and 103 of the Electoral Act 2022. “We reject the idea that this is an ‘interpretation challenge’. State laws do not override federal legislation on electoral conduct,” EiE insisted. They have published their legal position on their website, alongside scanned copies of relevant LASIEC laws, as a show of transparency.
Another major concern raised is the lack of inclusive stakeholder engagement. According to EiE, LASIEC unilaterally released election guidelines without consulting political parties or civil society organisations.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representing all 19 registered political parties in the state, has also condemned this move. “This exclusion of stakeholders violates democratic norms and fosters a culture of secrecy around the process,” EiE said.
Adding to this, EiE raised alarms over the late release and inaccessibility of the validated list of candidates, which was only made public on July 8, a mere four days before the election.
“This is unacceptable in 2025. Critical electoral information should not require physical visits to LASIEC’s office. Lagos should not operate with such archaic processes,” the statement read.
The organization also flagged concerns about the disenfranchisement of voters in certain areas, particularly in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA. While residents can vote for an LCDA chairman, they cannot vote for the federally recognized Eti-Osa Local Government chairman, whose office is the one funded by the federal government. “Unless LASIEC plans to issue two ballot papers, this is a violation of citizens’ right to choose their constitutionally recognized leaders,” EiE argued.
In an interview on ChannelsTV, LASIEC Chairman, Hon. Justice Omobolanle Abidemi Okikiolu-Ighile, was reportedly unable to provide clear explanations on election processes, including voter accreditation, result collation, and the use of technology. EiE described this has “deeply troubling,” citing it as further proof of the commission’s lack of preparedness.
“The cumulative effect of these issues leads us to express a lack of confidence in LASIEC’s ability to deliver a truly free, fair, and credible election on Saturday, July 12, 2025,” EiE concluded.
They expressed particular worry over historically low voter turnout at local government elections and fear that this cycle may be no different due to the Commission’s missteps.
Despite these grievances, EiE is urging Lagosians to go out and vote.
“We must continue to expose the ineptitude and failings of our institutions, not by disengaging, but by actively participating. This is how democracy functions,” the group appealed, rallying citizens not to be discouraged by the failings of the system.