Lagos LG Polls: LASIEC Unveils Plan to Boost Voter Turnout

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has launched a proactive initiative aimed at combating voter apathy ahead of Saturday’s local government elections.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, LASIEC Chairperson Bola Okikiolu-Ighile outlined the commission’s strategy, which centers on intensified voter education and direct community outreach. The goal, she said, is to boost turnout, especially among groups that typically have low electoral participation.

“Apathy at the grassroots is a genuine concern,” Okikiolu-Ighile noted. “That’s why we moved beyond traditional media campaigns. We took the message to the streets — from markets and campuses like UNILAG to neighborhoods in Badagry and Alimosho. We made sure our presence was felt across the state.

Mrs. Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, a retired judge and current LASIEC chairperson, revealed that the commission dispatched voter awareness teams throughout the state’s five key administrative zones — Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe. The outreach prioritized young voters, women, traders, and individuals living with disabilities.

“We didn’t leave anyone out — markets were a major touchpoint, engaging both men and women,” she said. “We paid special attention to people with disabilities, because their voices matter deeply. We also partnered with youth associations and faith-based groups to help spread the word across communities.”

Lagos State now boasts 13,325 polling units, following a significant increase from approximately 8,000 in 2021 — a move aimed at easing access to voting and minimizing logistical challenges for residents.

Speaking on the development, LASIEC Chairperson Bola Okikiolu-Ighile noted that the expansion is part of a broader effort to improve voter convenience and participation. As per LASIEC records, Lagos has 7,060,195 registered voters, with 6,214,970 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) already collected. However, about 845,000 PVCs remain unclaimed.

“We’re encouraging voters to double-check their polling unit locations,” she said. “With the new additions, some people may have been reassigned — and chances are, your polling unit is now even closer to where you live.”

On the issue of security and logistics, LASIEC Chairperson Bola Okikiolu-Ighile gave firm assurances that robust measures are in place to ensure a safe and orderly election process.

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LASIEC Reinforces Security, Accessibility, and Public Trust Ahead of Local Elections

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure a credible, secure, and inclusive local government election this Saturday.

Enhanced Voting Access and Priority for Vulnerable Groups

According to LASIEC Chairperson and retired judge, Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, voting will begin at 8:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m. Special provisions have been made to prioritize persons with disabilities (PWDs), elderly citizens, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

“Our staff and polling agents have been thoroughly trained to give special attention where it’s due,” she noted.

Strong Warning Against Vote-Buying

Okikiolu-Ighile also emphasized LASIEC’s non-partisan stance and warned against electoral malpractice, particularly vote-buying. She urged residents to treat their votes as a powerful tool for change.

“Your vote is not for sale,” she said firmly. “Don’t be silent when your community’s future is on the line. You have a right to choose who leads. Exercise it—don’t exchange it for short-term gain or sit back and complain afterward.”

Security Measures Across the State

Reassuring voters of their safety, the LASIEC chair disclosed that law enforcement agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the State Security Service (SSS), and others—will deploy at least four officers to each polling unit.

“The safety of voters, electoral materials, and personnel is non-negotiable. We’ve been given firm assurances—there will be no tolerance for intimidation or violence,” she stated.

Tackling Longstanding Apathy in Local Elections

Despite these efforts, voter apathy remains a major challenge in Lagos. Historical data paints a concerning picture: in 2021, voter turnout hovered below 18%, and in 2017 it was a similar 17%. Tayo Ogunbiyi, a spokesperson for the state’s Ministry of Information and Strategy, previously warned that low participation enables candidates to win with just a fraction of the electorate, weakening legitimacy and reducing accountability.

National trends reflect a similar crisis. In the 2011 general elections, only about 35% of Nigeria’s 70 million registered voters cast ballots, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ahead of the 2015 elections, LASIEC reported that over 1.4 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Lagos remained uncollected.

Distrust in Local Electoral Bodies

A key reason for low turnout, experts say, is public distrust in local electoral commissions. A recent report by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), launched in Lagos in July 2025, highlights this issue. The publication—From Apathy to Action: A Reform Blueprint for SIECs and Community-Level Democracy—found that only 41% of Nigerians trust State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to conduct credible local elections.

The HEDA survey, conducted across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with 1,428 respondents, revealed a concerning disconnect: while 87% of Nigerians correctly identified SIECs as the statutory bodies responsible for local elections, only 45% believed they were independent of state government control.

“This is a clear trust gap,” said HEDA Executive Secretary Sulaimon Arigbabu. “Where people doubt transparency and independence, electoral legitimacy suffers.”

Participation Still Worryingly Low

Despite widespread awareness, participation remains minimal. According to the same survey, 69% of respondents admitted they had never voted in a local government election. Perceptions of SIEC performance were also poor: just 44% rated their state electoral commissions as “Good” or “Excellent,” while nearly a quarter gave them failing grades.

As LASIEC works to rebuild public confidence through improved outreach, voter education, and logistical improvements, the coming election will be a crucial test—not only of turnout, but of the people’s trust in the system meant to represent them at the grassroots level.