The All Progressives Congress (APC) has decisively won the recently concluded local government elections in Lagos State, securing all 20 chairmanship positions and 375 out of 376 councillor seats across the state.
Election Results
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officially released the results on Sunday, confirming the APC’s clean sweep in every one of the 20 constitutionally recognized local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs). The only exception was a single councillorship seat in Ward D of Yaba LCDA, which was won by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Notable chairmanship winners include:
- Hon. Olamilekan Olu Akindipe (Lampholder) – Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA
- Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson – Alimosho LGA
- Barr. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe – Kosofe LGA
- Hon. Haruna Olatunbosun Aruwe – Mushin LGA
The APC also secured leadership in other key areas such as Surulere, Oshodi-Isolo, Ojo, Ikorodu, Agege, Lagos Island, Ifako-Ijaiye, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos Mainland, and LCDAs including Yaba, Eti-Osa East, Apapa Iganmu, Epe, and Lekki.
Opposition Parties Raise Concerns
Despite the overwhelming APC victory, opposition parties have vocally criticized the electoral process. The PDP, Labour Party, and Social Democratic Party (SDP) alleged multiple electoral malpractices such as ballot stuffing, voter suppression, and restricted access to polling units.
The Youth Party, through its Lagos Chapter Chair Francisco Doregos, described the election as “shambolic” and “blatantly rigged.” They accused LASIEC of bias, highlighting the appointment of known APC loyalists as electoral commissioners. The party also claimed that the Department of State Services (DSS) was used to intimidate their candidates and pointed out the lack of transparency, particularly the absence of proper voter register displays.
NNPP Boycotts Election Over Legal and Procedural Disputes
In a separate development, the Lagos chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) boycotted the elections entirely. State Chairperson Ronnie Dikko-Kila condemned LASIEC’s decision to conduct elections in 57 councils, arguing it violated a Supreme Court ruling that recognizes only 20 LGAs. The NNPP also criticized the imposition of illegal and excessive nomination fees and accused the commission of failing to uphold transparency and fairness.
Implications for the Future
This sweeping victory solidifies the APC’s grassroots dominance in Lagos State, positioning the party strongly ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the allegations and protests from opposition parties underscore ongoing challenges in ensuring fully transparent and credible electoral processes at the local level.
