Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria and Yiaga Africa have raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency and legal compliance in the upcoming 2025 Lagos State Local Government elections, scheduled for July 12, 2025, by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
In a joint press release issued on May 15, 2025, the civil society organizations highlighted what they described as critical legal and procedural shortcomings in the election timetable announced by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
The groups pointed out that while LASIEC’s April 12 Notice of Election appears to comply with the state’s electoral law by providing the required 90-day notice, it contradicts provisions of the national Electoral Act 2022.
“Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates that State Independent Electoral Commissions, including LASIEC, must adhere to the same procedures as those governing elections into Area Councils in the FCT,” the statement read.
It further explained that Section 103(3) of the Act requires such elections to be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of sitting officials.
According to the groups, with the current tenure of Local Government Chairmen and Councillors set to expire on July 27, 2025, the lawful election window should be between February 25 and June 25, 2025, placing the announced July 12 election date outside the legal timeframe.
Beyond legal issues, the organizations highlighted transparency concerns raised by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which represents all 19 registered political parties in Lagos. IPAC has allegedly condemned LASIEC’s unilateral release of election guidelines without consultation with political stakeholders.
The watchdogs also noted concerns about the status of the 37 Local Council Development Areas following the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy and the alleged concealment of a revised LASIEC Law reportedly approved in January 2025.
“There appears to be a general pattern of secrecy and non-collaboration, especially from the new LASIEC board chaired by Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd.),” the statement claimed.
The civil society groups called on LASIEC to review and revise the election date to comply with the Electoral Act 2022, make the revised LASIEC Law public immediately, and create an open stakeholder engagement framework.
They also urged state authorities and the House of Assembly to clarify the legal standing of the LCDAs and called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that the Commission members he appointed are abiding by their sworn mandate.
“Elections at the local government level are fundamental to Nigeria’s democracy. If mismanaged or conducted unlawfully, they erode public trust and undermine democratic governance at the grassroots,” the groups warned.
EiE Nigeria is a network of individuals and organizations committed to promoting good governance and public accountability, while Yiaga Africa is a non-profit civic hub focused on democratic governance, human rights, and civic engagement.