LAGOS — Several parts of Lagos State were unusually quiet on Saturday morning as the Local Government Elections got underway, with many polling units yet to witness the arrival of electoral officers as of 8:15 a.m.
Areas including Agege, Ikeja, and Ikoyi reported a lack of activity, with no Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officials present to begin the voting process. The delay left voters waiting amid growing uncertainty about when accreditation and voting would start.
According to electoral guidelines, vehicular movement was restricted across the state to ensure a smooth and secure election. In line with this directive, heavy security presence was observed at major junctions and roads. Personnel from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) patrolled the streets to enforce compliance.
Despite the restriction order, some residents were seen walking to their destinations freely, while others turned the unusually quiet roads into makeshift football fields, taking advantage of the traffic-free conditions.
Commercial and business activities were largely on hold, with shops, markets, offices, and even petrol stations remaining shut in observance of the election. Nonetheless, essential service providers, such as healthcare workers and sanitation staff, continued with their duties without hindrance.
The elections are being held across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state to elect chairmen and councillors.
Earlier reports indicated that voting had commenced at Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s polling unit in Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, where LASIEC officials arrived promptly. However, such early starts were not mirrored in many other parts of the state.
Authorities and election observers are hopeful that activities will pick up as the day progresses.
