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Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos LG election: APC will win all seats – Spokesman

    Lagos LG election: APC will win all seats – Spokesman

    The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has expressed confidence that the party will win all chairmanship and councillorship seats in Saturday’s local government election held in the State.

    The Spokesperson of the party, Mr Seye Oladejo, expressed the confidence while speaking with newsmen  in Agege.

    Oladejo said  the expected victory   was based on the party’s performance at.the various levels of government.

    He said there was no alternative to the party in the state ,adding  opposition was almost non-existent.

    “There is no doubt around APC victory, but it is how massive the voting is, this is because this local government election is a preparation for the 2027 election.

    “So, we are confident that we will win all the 57 Local Governments because the APC is a party of choice.

    “Aside from this, there is no alternative to APC in Lagos based on our performance at various levels; the local governments, states and federal government.

    Oladejo said the conversation was now around how their people would come out to votes.

    He said the exercise was peaceful ,but the turnout could be better, saying that people were showing enthusiasm to show their civil responsibility.

    The spokesperson urged encourage the electorate to troop out some more to  vote for the chairman and councillors of their choice.

    He said: “I also need to put it on record that the exercise started a little bit late.

    “When this happens there should be an extension of voting time so that we will not deny the people that are supposed to vote”.

  • Octogenarian reacts after casting vote in Lagos LG election

    Octogenarian reacts after casting vote in Lagos LG election

    An octogenarian, Mrs Kemi Rabiu has tasked incoming Local Government Area administrations in Lagos State on keeping to their campaign promises.

    Rabiu gave the charge in an interview with NAN at Ijaiye/Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) where she went to cast her vote in the state’s council poll holding on Saturday.

    She said that whoever emerged as winner must live up to the  expectations of the people.

    “The local government areas in Nigeria now get their monies directly from the Federal Government, and so,  there is no reason why they should not perform.

    Rabiu  said unlike in past council elections, the response of residents is encouraging.

    According to her, although some residents  are skeptical about voting,  the candidates must ensure that election promises are kept to encourage more participation in future elections.

    ‘The councils are the nearest to the people and so, must ensure the people get dividends of democracy for renewed hope,” she added.

    The Lagos council poll is holding simultaneously  in 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

    LG poll: Edo electoral commission boss lauds LASIEC

    Meanwhile, Chairman of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Mr Jonathan Aifuobhokan has commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for the arrangements put in place for  Saturday’s  Local Government election.

    Aifuobhokhan spoke with newsmen  at LASIEC headquarters in Sabo-Yaba on Saturday. The Edo electoral commission boss with his team are  in Lagos to observe the election. Aifuobhokhan said LASIEC actually  prepared well and is ready for this election.

    “With the programmes we have seen and the activities we have seen, everything is well- planned. We are already learning some things  and when it comes to the Edo local government election, we are going to replicate what is being done here.

    “The level of  preparation is fine, things are going well. We will surely do what we have seen here in our state. We will even invite LASIEC  to tell us how they were able to get to this level for us to be able to improve on what they have done,” he said.

    According to him, the election  has been peaceful so far.

    “From where we came out from, we saw that everything was peaceful, we saw some kind of enthusiasm in terms of  voting.

    “We believe everything will be peaceful till the end and there will not be any crisis. We don’t envisage any problem.”

    LASIEC is conducting elections into the 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) in the state.

    The election is currently underway across the 57 council areas and 376 electoral wards in the state.

    Lagos LG Poll: Community leader emphasises importance of participation

    A community leader, Mr Abdulfatai Owoyelu, Oluwen of Fadare Town, Mile 12, has emphasised the importance of participating in the ongoing local government elections in Lagos State, to encourage residents to choose their leaders.

    Owoyelu, who said this while casting his vote at Ward D Polling Unit 119, Mile 12, on Saturday, urged residents to come out and vote for their candidates, especially those they believe could bring about positive change.

    According to him, choosing the right leaders who can manage resources effectively is paramount during this current economic challenges and other issues.

    “The only way we can make the needed change is by coming out to vote. This involves choosing the right andidate who can bring about the needed positive change for everyone.

    “We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines while others decide our fate. We must take control of our destiny and shape the future we want.

    “This is our franchise and  we need to exercise it, a lot of people complain. Now, that they need to do the needful, they are no where to be found,” he said.

    Owoyelu commended residents of the area for maintaining peace and calm in the community.

    People were seen playing football on Alapere-Ogudu Eexpresway and adjoining areas.

  • Lagos LG election: LASIEC tightens security at HQ

    Lagos LG election: LASIEC tightens security at HQ

    The headquarters of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) in Yaba witnessed tight security on Saturday as the state conducted its local government elections.

    A political correspondent at the LASIEC office reported a strong presence of security personnel, including a commendable number of police officers stationed at the premises.

    Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) were also present, positioned in their respective operational vans.

    Vehicular movement on the street leading to the LASIEC office was restricted, with roadblocks mounted at both ends to control access and ensure order.

    Elsewhere in Badagry, similar security measures were observed, with personnel from the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) deployed to maintain peace and order.

    There was high compliance with the restriction of movement in the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of  the state as voters were peaceful in their conduct.

    The usually bustling streets of Mosan-Okunola, located in the Alimosho area, were quiet as of 9:00 a.m., with only security personnel, electoral officials, and a few accredited observers seen moving around.

    Major roads such as Abesan Gate Road, Akowonjo Road, and the Ipaja-Ayobo axis were deserted, while shops, markets, and motor parks remained closed.

    Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators also stayed off the roads in compliance with the directive issued by the Lagos State Government.

    Security agencies, including officers of the Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps, were stationed at strategic locations to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order.

    Residents who spoke to NAN commended the level of compliance, noting that it would help ensure a smooth electoral process.

    A voter, Mrs Bosede Akinwale, said: “I am happy people are obeying the movement restriction. It shows that we are becoming more conscious of the importance of orderly elections.”

    The police had earlier announced that movement would be restricted across the state from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to facilitate the conduct of the Saturday council elections in the state.

    LASIEC  is conducting elections into 20 constitutionally recognised local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas .

    The election is currently underway across the 57 council areas and 376 electoral wards in the state.

    LG polls: Youths mount football pitches on Lagos roads

    Meanwhile, football-loving youths on Saturday converted major roads in many parts of Lagos to soccer pitches as the state’s council election was ongoing.

    A correspondent covering the election sighted no fewer than 14 pitches on Agege Motor Road, Alimosho Road in Iyana-Ipaja and Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway.

    The correspondent, who was on the entourage of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Chairman, Retired Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, and other commissioners, noted that the convoy was forced to stop at different points to allow the youths to remove their makeshift goal posts before proceeding with the monitoring.

    Between Mushin and Oshodi Bus-Stop, no fewer than four pitches were seen while no fewer than five were also sighted between Oshodi Bus-Stop and Bolade-Oshodi area.

    Similarly, between Dopemu Bus-Stop and Iyana-Ipaja Bus-Stop on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, there were no fewer than six football pitches.

    Some of the pitches at Oshodi were mounted very close to military checkpoints. It was also observed that  no fewer than 60 youths were playing football at Oyewole High School at Orile-Agege LCDA, which has three polling units.

    Only 21 had voted at two of the polling units, with a total 1,240 registered voters, as at 11.30 a.m.

    Also, only 65 out the 742 registered voters  had voted  at PU 014, located at Oyewole Alaagba in Orile-Agege.

    The polling unit was directly opposite the Constituency Office of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.

    The LASIEC Chairman had on Thursday said that the commission had done a lot to sensitise residents on the need to turn out for the exercise.

    To further sensitise residents to vote,  LASIEC on Saturday released balloon aircraft ,with inscriptions urging voter turnout, into the air from its headquarters in Sabo, Yaba.

    LG poll: Police mount scanty roadblocks in Lagos

    The police in Lagos on Saturday mounted only a few roadblocks in parts of the state as residents came out to vote in the 57 local government elections.

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is conducting elections across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

    The poll is expected to produce 57 council chairmen and 376 councillors.

    Contrary to previous election day security practices, NAN correspondents observed that police did not mount roadblocks along major corridors like the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, from Toll Gate in Ogun to Ikeja in Lagos.

    Similarly, no police checkpoints were observed on major roads in Agege, Ogba, Ikeja, Mushin, and other areas.

    The popular Ikorodu Road, Airport Road, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oba Akran Road, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, Acme Road, Lateef Jakande Road, Awolowo Way, and Ojuelegba were also devoid of roadblocks as of 8:00 a.m.

    As at 7:30 a.m., the presence of security operatives was minimal in many of these areas.

    Commercial activities were still ongoing at Ile Epo Market in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA as of 7:00 a.m., as well as in the busy Ojuelegba area in Surulere Local Government Area.

    However, police were seen preparing to set up a roadblock using tyres under the Awolowo Bridge in Ikeja at about 7:21 a.m.

    Meanwhile, shops and complexes in the ever-busy Computer Village in Ikeja remained shut as of 7:25 a.m.

    A group of about 20 youths of voting age were seen playing football in Ilupeju, Mushin LGA

  • Lagos LG election: Why we fielded candidates in only 20 LGAs – ADC

    Lagos LG election: Why we fielded candidates in only 20 LGAs – ADC

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is fielding candidates in the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Saturday’s local government council election in Lagos State, in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment.

    The Lagos State Independent Election Commission (LASIEC) is conducting election in the 20 LGAs and 37 local council development a in the state.

    A document obtained from LASIEC shows that only 15 of the 19 political parties that initially expressed interest in the elections, submitted candidate lists ahead of the poll.

    The Lagos State Chairman of ADC, Mr George Ashiru, explained that the party’s decision  to field candidates in the 20 local government council areas was guided by the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy delivered in 2024.

    He said that that judgment reaffirmed the constitutional recognition of 774 LGAs across Nigeria, including the 20 in Lagos.

    “In line with the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, we chose to focus our campaigns and field candidates only in the 20 constitutionally recognised local government areas,” Ashiru said.

    He noted that the ADC remained committed to upholding the rule of law and constitutional provisions in its political activities.

    “In the beginning, we were against participation but our members and aspirants insisted on participating, especially those who felt that have strength in some areas.

    “The party chose to abide by the constitution and focus our participation on the recognised councils,” he said.

    Ashiru urged LASIEC to conduct the election with transparency and impartiality.

    “At the end of this election, people will rate the commission because, ideally, parties win in their areas of strength,” he added.

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most represented party in the contest, fielding candidates in all 57 local councils and 376 wards.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) followed with candidates contesting in 45 councils and 259 wards.

    The Labour Party presented 22 chairmanship and 130 councillorship candidates, while the Zenith Labour Party has six chairmanship and 21 councillorship candidates.

    Other political parties with approved candidates, as listed by LASIEC, include: Accord; African Action Alliance (AAA); Allied People’s Movement (APM); and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Others were, Social Democratic Party (SDP); National Rescue Movement (NRM); Young Progressives Party (YPP); Youth Party (YP); Action Peoples Party (APP); and the ADC.

  • NNPP explains absence from Lagos LG election

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has explained why it is not fielding candidates in Saturday’s local government council election in Lagos State.

    The election is being held across the 20 local government areas(LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state.

    Speaking with NAN, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ogini Olaposi, described the decision as regrettable but necessary, citing limited options available to the party at the time.

    “We regret to inform all members of our great party, that it is indeed most unfortunate and regrettable that despite the double victory judgments we received, we could not put our house in order for effective campaigns and participation.

    “In the build-up to the election, we were still immersed in internal wrangling, following the move by the Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso -led group to hijack the leadership of the NNPP,” Olaposi said.

    He further explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s failure to update the party’s official records worsened the situation.

    “We were also delayed by the inability of INEC to amend our old records and upload our authentic National Working Committee (NWC), led by Dr Agbo Major, on its server,” he said.

    According to Olaposi, these setbacks made it impossible for the NNPP to field candidates for the local government election — a first since the party was founded and registered in 2001 by Dr Boniface Aniebonam.

    Olaposi noted that there was nothing so much to worry about as issues of logo and leadership had been resolved.

    “It was on the strength of the issues that after an emergency meeting of the NEC on Friday in Abuja, we decided to direct our members in Lagos, led by Mrs Anikè Adebowale (state chairman) on which party to vote for.

    “To effectively win in an election, you must not just fill in candidates, you should also be ready for serious campaigns in all wards and areas of the election which we did not do.”

    Olaposi said that in spite of the current challenges, the party leadership had urged members to support a party that shares a similar political ideology with the NNPP.

    Fifteen out of the 28 registered political parties are participating in the election.

  • Lagos LG election: Why we did not close the border – Immigration

    Lagos LG election: Why we did not close the border – Immigration

    Comptroller Absullahi Adamu of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Seme Border Command, has said the service did not receive any directives to close the border for the Lagos State local government election.

    Adamu told NAN in Seme on Saturday, that the border is an international one, under exclusive list. According to Adamu, we have not received any letter from Lagos State Government or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the election.

    “Closing of an international border should come from higher authority. There is no information regarding  restriction of movement till 3.00.p.m, so our status quo remains,” he said.

    According to him,  the  border cannot be closed against people coming into the country but we can only advise them to wait till 3.00.p.m after stamping them in  before leaving the border.

    Adamu said that foreigners coming into the country through the border would be urged to hang somewhere, after stamping their passports till 3.00.p.m before leaving the border.

    He, however, said the command would act accordingly if they received order to restrict movement.

    LG polls: Police restrict vehicular passage on Lekki Toll Gate

    Meanwhile, vehicular passage at the Admiralty-Lekki Toll Gate was strictly prohibited for the election due to police presence.

    This is because of the elections being held across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

    Police officers were stationed at the gate enforcing the restriction and turning back vehicles.

    Only essential personnel, such as INEC officials, electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, and security operatives on election duty were allowed to pass through.

    However, some residents in the area seized the opportunity to take to the streets to unwind.

    With the absence of cars, streets became impromptu spaces for exercise and community bonding.

    Joggers and cyclists took advantage of the car-free roads to enjoy a safer and more scenic route.

    One of them, who preferred anonymity, expressed joy for being able to exercise without disturbance on the road.

    He said, “I am also enjoying the police presence. It makes my exercise security free.

    “Although, I did not vote because I didn’t know who to vote for. However, I hope the voting process is free and without any violence.”

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts after voting in Lagos LG election

    Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts after voting in Lagos LG election

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu voted at exactly 11:09 a.m. on Saturday at Polling Unit 006, Saint Stephens Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Island Local Government.

    Officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) arrived at Ward E3, Polling Unit 006, at approximately 7:30 a.m. for the Lagos State council polls.

    The governor, accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged some earlier logistics issues in certain areas, which he said had been resolved.

    “Everything is okay here,” he said. “Although the unit is heavily populated, voting is progressing well, and the officers are present. I’ve voted successfully.

    “Party agents are here, and it’s extremely peaceful. I’ve seen some logistics issues on TV, but I believe they’ve now been resolved,” the governor said.

    He noted that some officers experienced delays reaching their polling units, but expressed gratitude for the calm and favourable weather.

    “I commend LASIEC. This election is very important, and I believe results will be compiled later in the day,” he said.

    The governor stressed the importance of local government as a vital tier for grassroots development and public service delivery.

    “It is vital people realise this is the closest government to them. I’ve fulfilled my civic responsibility,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He urged Lagos residents to come out and vote, describing the process as peaceful and encouraging wider participation.

    “I know there were some initial logistics hiccups at certain polling units, but I understand those have now been addressed. Let’s continue to come out in large numbers and vote,” the governor appealed.

    LASIEC is conducting elections into 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

  • Police rescue woman from jumping into Lagos lagoon

    Police rescue woman from jumping into Lagos lagoon

    The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Police Command in Lagos State has rescued an elderly woman who attempted to jump into the lagoon from the Carter Bridge.

    RRS made this known in a post it shared on its X handle @rrsLagos767 on Friday.

    It stated that the operatives, at about 12:20 p. m. on Friday while on patrol, successfully prevented the woman from killing herself.

    “She was taken to the RRS Headquarters, where the Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, listened to her story.

    “Afterwards, CSP Jejeloye allowed her, along with her husband and their 30-year-old son, to hold a private family meeting to address and resolve their differences.

    “Following the meeting, the commander counseled the woman extensively and offered her a cash gift.

    “The family expressed deep gratitude to the commander for the squad’s timely intervention, his heartfelt advice, and the financial support, ” it stated.

    According to the agency, the woman has been released into the care of her husband and son.

  • Tragic as woman dies after falling into open well in Lagos

    Tragic as woman dies after falling into open well in Lagos

    A tragic incident has claimed the life of a woman who fell into a 170-foot-deep well at a construction site in the Ijegun area of Lagos.

    Her body was recovered days later following a prolonged, multi-agency recovery operation.

    The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that it received a distress call at approximately 7:34 p.m. on Monday, June 30.

    The incident occurred at Abuba Anthony Street, near Obalagbe Bus Stop, close to Fadeko International Hotel.

    According to a statement released Friday by the agency’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, Maria Fadairo, responders from the Ejigbo Fire Station arrived at the scene to find that a woman had fallen into a deep well located at the front of a one-storey building still under construction.

    The structure reportedly comprises six two-bedroom flats on a fenced plot measuring 648 square meters.

    Due to the challenging nature of the situation, the recovery required the involvement of multiple emergency agencies.

    After days of coordinated efforts, the woman’s body was finally retrieved on Thursday, July 10.

    The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service led the recovery operation in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), and other emergency responders.

    “The victim was recovered dead and handed over to officials of SEHMU, while the Lagos State Ambulance Service stood by as the Nigeria Police observed proceedings,” the agency said in its statement.

    Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, offered her condolences to the victim’s family and commended the collaboration of all agencies involved in the operation.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and appreciate the efforts of all agencies involved,” she said.

    Adeseye also stressed the urgent need for improved safety measures at construction sites, noting that an uncovered 170-foot well poses a grave danger and should never be left unsecured.

    The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, has commenced further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

  • LG election: Lagos inaugurates tribunal panels

    LG election: Lagos inaugurates tribunal panels

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, on Friday inaugurated two Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal panels ahead of the upcoming council polls.

    The panels were inaugurated at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, with sittings to hold in Lagos Island and Ikeja.

    Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (Rtd) will chair the Lagos Island Panel, alongside Magistrates Micheal Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo and Hotepo Lazarus.

    Justice Sherifah Solebo (Rtd) will lead the Ikeja Panel, which includes Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.

    In his remarks, Alogba urged tribunal members to carry out their duties with utmost integrity, fairness, and strict fidelity to the law.

    He referenced the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law, stressing adherence to statutory timelines for deciding election petitions.

    “Any decision made outside the legal time frame is void and holds no legal weight. You must work strictly within the law, as your experience and integrity influenced your appointment to these tribunals,” Alogba said.

    He encouraged them to uphold justice without fear or favour, and to resist bias, pressure or intimidation.

    Also speaking, Lagos State Attorney General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the task as a call to service in defence of democracy.

    “This is more than legal duty; it is a moral obligation to the state and humanity,” Pedro told the panel members.

    He said the panels must ensure the credibility of the electoral process, protecting it from being manipulated through the judicial system.

    The panels are expected to begin sittings immediately after the conclusion of the local government elections.