Latest updates & live reports from Lagos Local Government Elections can be accessed below.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Lagos State braces for a pivotal grassroots political showdown today, Saturday, July 12, 2025, as residents across the metropolis vote in the long-awaited local government council elections and NewsOnline Nigeria Team are on ground to bring you all the latest updates and live reports across the state.
From bustling mainland districts to the serene islands, anticipation is in the air. Political watchers and ordinary Lagosians alike see this vote as more than a routine civic exercise, it’s a litmus test for the political temperature of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
NewsOnline Nigeria reported that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) finalized and published the list of candidates vying for positions in the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), setting the stage for a battle that could reshape local power dynamics.
Voting is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m. sharp across 13,325 polling units. Security operatives and electoral materials have already been mobilized, with authorities promising a hitch-free process.
A Quiet Contest with Loud Implications
Local government elections in Nigeria typically fly under the radar, often drawing little media attention and even fewer voters. But this year’s polls in Lagos have taken on an outsized importance.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is looking to tighten its grip at the grassroots following the surprise dents made by the opposition in the 2023 general elections. Political analysts believe today’s election could offer key insights into the current strength of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government—and test the enduring influence of President Bola Tinubu in his political stronghold.
Who’s on the Ballot? APC Dominates, LP Eyes Breakthrough
As usual, the APC enters the race as the frontrunner. The party’s decades-long dominance in Lagos is underpinned by a deep-rooted political structure that spans the smallest wards and reaches into every corner of the state.
But the Labour Party (LP) is looking to shake things up. After pulling off unexpected wins in parts of Lagos during the 2023 presidential election, most notably in Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, and Surulere; the party is hoping to turn momentum into meaningful local gains. Their candidates have maintained a visible presence in some LGAs, though their campaign activities appear scattered in others.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the state’s main opposition force, has largely faded from view. Internal wrangling and organizational fatigue have reduced the party to a marginal player in this contest.
Tensions and Concerns Ahead of the Polls
In the run-up to the election, questions have swirled around LASIEC’s readiness. A major concern was the late release of the official list of candidates, announced just four days before voting day on July 8.
Opposition parties, especially LP, have also reported incidents of harassment and destruction of campaign materials in some LGAs. In Amuwo-Odofin, one councillorship candidate raised an alarm over alleged plans to disrupt the vote and called for urgent intervention from authorities.
Despite the controversies, LASIEC has assured the public of its preparedness. Chairperson Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd.) stated that special provisions have been made for the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities to vote comfortably and securely.
Sanwo-Olu Urges Participation, Police Assure Security
Governor Sanwo-Olu has called on Lagosians to show up at the polls, emphasizing the critical role of local governments in delivering everyday services, from education and health to roads and markets.
Security agencies, led by the Lagos State Police Command, have also weighed in, promising a peaceful and secure atmosphere. Officers will be stationed across all polling units to ensure order throughout the exercise.
Why This Election Matters
Though often overlooked, local government elections wield real power. The winners will control local budgets, oversee infrastructure development, and help shape the political machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As Lagos votes, the outcome will send a strong signal—not just about party dominance, but also about the public’s trust in grassroots governance.
Stay with NewsOnline Nigeria for real-time updates, exclusive reports, and live coverage from all corners of Lagos State.
#LagosDecides: Latest Updates & Live Reports From Lagos Local Government Elections
Accreditation, voting begin at PU 009 in Isolo
Accreditation and voting have commenced peacefully at Polling Unit 009, Holy Saviour Compound, Holy Saviour College Road, Isolo, on Saturday, following a late arrival of electoral officials.
Chief Musilimi Adio Hassan, who was among the early voters, said he was hopeful for a smooth exercise. “I expect it to be peaceful so that we go home. I always make sure I vote because I’m a patriotic citizen. We expect good turnout later despite the late arrival of voters,” he said.
Hon. Abiodun Adegboyega of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the first democratically elected executive councillor of the ward, explained that the election officials arrived shortly before 10am, citing logistical challenges.
“As of now, things are going on peacefully, though we are expecting more people,” he noted.
“Now that we have voted, we will go out and inform others that the process has started. We the leaders have done our best to ensure the area remains peaceful. We’ve been out early and I’m assured there won’t be any problem. We also complement the work of the security personnel,” he added.
APC chairmanship candidate Hamzat arrives polling unit
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Usman Hamzat, has arrived at his polling unit to cast his vote.
Hamzat arrived at Polling Unit 027, Ward C1, at exactly 10:10 a.m., accompanied by his family members.
Bariga Council Chairman, Hon. Alabi cast vote
The Chairman, Bariga Local Council, Hon. Kolade Alabi has cast his vote in the ongoing local government elections at his polling unit in Omo Alade Alaafia, Bariga.
In his short remarks, Alabi assured the voters of adequate security during and after the poll.
He commended the logistics put in place by LASIEC and praised the orderliness exhibited by the voters.
Accreditation of voters and voting begin at PU 009 at Holy Saviour compound, Holy Saviour College Road, Isolo Lagos. @9:57am
Elegushi residents turn out as voting begins
Residents of the Elegushi area in Lagos State began casting their votes early Saturday morning as the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officially commenced the local government elections.
At exactly 9:00 a.m., voting commenced in Units 006, 005, 008, 024, and 015 under the close supervision of LASIEC officials.
A steady stream of voters were seen trooping into various polling units to participate in the electoral exercise.
Speaking with reporters, a voter, Mrs. Ronke Adebayo, expressed satisfaction with the process. “The process was peaceful and I was able to cast my vote without any interference. I’m happy to have exercised my civic responsibility,” she said.
Mr. Tunde Olayemi, praised the early arrival of LASIEC officials and the organization at the polling unit. “I got here around 9 a.m. and, the process had started. It’s encouraging to see everything in order,” he said.
Miss Sade Ogunleye, a first-time voter, said she felt proud to be part of the democratic process. “I was nervous at first, but the officials were helpful and the voting went smoothly,” she said.
At the Oba Elegushi Palace, the atmosphere was lively as voters turned out in their numbers. Some queued patiently while others were seen arriving steadily to cast their votes.
Party representatives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Youth Party were visibly present at the polling units, monitoring proceedings.
Security presence was strong in the area, with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stationed to ensure law and order.
No reports of disruptions as of the time of filing this report.
Voting commenced at 9 a.m. at Polling Unit 052 in Ayobo-Ipaja, where a low turnout of voters was recorded
LASIEC officials waiting at Ojodu LCDA secretariat
Officials of LASIEC are yet to be deployed to any polling unit in the Ojodu LCDA as at 9:45am when The Nation visited.
Presently, electoral officers are still receiving voting materials. However, an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they are yet to be given ballot papers.
LASIEC officials yet to arrive at polling units in Iba, Igando, Mushin
Officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) were yet to be seen at many polling units visited in Ikotun, Igando, and Iba.
The Nation visited these areas between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Although some voters and party agents were waiting for the LASIEC officials to commence the voting process, no officials were present in many locations.
At Adeo-Oyo Street in Mushin, LASIEC officials were seen inside a bus with electoral materials, trying to locate their designated polling units.
Residents noted that it was unusual for electoral officers to arrive late for duty on election day.
Those who spoke with The Nation said they were waiting patiently for LASIEC officials to set up the election process. One man said he had been waiting since 8:15 a.m. at his polling unit.
Some residents had mounted canopies at their polling units in preparation for the officials’ arrival.
A visit to the Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area Secretariat revealed that LASIEC officials had already departed for their various polling units.
At a polling unit in Iyana-Ejigbo, LASIEC officials were on ground and ready, waiting for voters to come out and cast their ballots.
The Nation observed that adequate security was in place as promised by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.
Police officers were seen at all the locations visited, including Iyana-Ejigbo, Isolo, Ikotun, Igando, Iba, and Isheri.
LASIEC officials and security personnel yet to leave Isolo LCDA, for their various polling units at 9:34am
Officials arrive late at Ifako-Ijaiye polling units
Officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) have begun arriving at various polling units in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area as at 9:28 a.m.
Their late arrival delayed the commencement of voting leaving many residents waiting.
Voters had turned out early in large numbers, with many arriving at their polling units as early as 8 a.m. to cast their votes.
However, accreditation and voting could not commence until electoral officials arrived to set up materials for the exercise.
Voting on going at Ward E3, Polling Units 006 & 007 within the premises of St. Stephen Nursery and Primary School, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.
Voters await officials arrival at Polling Units (PU) 006, 051, 021, 031 Ojodu LCDA
Voters in Polling Units (PU)006, 051, 021, 031 and most other units in Ojodu LCDA are waiting anxiously for the arrival of LASIEC officials as at 9:00am.
The voters, who remained calm, all prayed for a peaceful exercise.
PU 021 and 031 are critical units in Ojodu LCDA elections for the ruling party, APC. PU 021 is where APC stalwart, James Faleke will cast his vote, while PU 031 is the voting center where the incumbent chairman, David Odunmbaku and his influential father, James Odunmbaku will cast their vote.
Late arrival of electoral officials delay voting in Ifako-Ijaiye
The late arrival of electoral officials has delayed the commencement of voting in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Residents turned out in large numbers this morning, arriving at various polling units as early as 8 a.m. to cast their votes.
However, many voters were seen waiting patiently as electoral officers were yet to arrive to begin accreditation and voting.
At the polling unit where the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate, Usman Hamzat, is expected to vote, voters remained on standby, expressing concern over the delay in the electoral process.
Polling officials at Ojodu LCDA Secretariat, waiting to be moved to polling units.
Voting begins at Aafin Oba Elegushi Palace
No polling officials at PU 034 along Irepodun Odobo junction, Okeira, Ojodu LCDA. @9:05am
No polling agents at PU 017 Otuyelu junction, Olanipekun str, okeira, Ogba. @ 8:52am
8:36am. LASIEC officials setting up at the Aafin Oba Elegushi Palace, Units 005, 006, and 008.
Residents play football as LASIEC chair, security agents monitor election(PHOTOS)
Voter Apathy, Late Arrival of Officials Mar Early Hours of Lagos LG Elections
Despite a public appeal by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu encouraging residents to turn out en masse for Saturday’s Local Government Elections, several polling units across the state recorded low voter turnout as of 10:10 a.m.
Reports from NewsOnline correspondents monitoring the exercise revealed that many polling centres in key parts of Lagos were either deserted or saw only a handful of voters waiting, raising early concerns about civic apathy.
At Polling Unit 29, near the Federal Service Club on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, just one party agent was present as of 8:51 a.m., and electoral officers from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had yet to arrive.
In Obalende, instead of voters, several youths were seen playing football on the streets around 9:15 a.m., prompting security operatives to step in and dismantle makeshift goalposts and restore order.
Meanwhile, LASIEC officials and party agents were spotted setting up materials at polling units on Odo Street and Igbo Street, but no voters had shown up by the time of filing this report.
At Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Ward E3, Adeniji Adele, a small group of supporters gathered in anticipation of the governor’s arrival to vote. However, as of 10:00 a.m., the governor had not yet appeared, although a strong presence of police officers stood by to maintain security.
Elections Underway Amid Skepticism
The elections are being conducted to fill 57 chairmanship, 57 vice chairmanship, and 376 councillorship seats across Lagos’ 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Voting officially began at 8:00 a.m. and is scheduled to end by 3:00 p.m., with voters in queue at closing time still allowed to cast their ballots.
LASIEC had earlier assured the public of a credible and well-organized process, but the sluggish start in some locations—marked by late arrival of officials and near-empty polling units—has dampened early expectations.
More updates to follow as the election progresses.
