LASIEC, Police Reassure on Credible, Safe LG Elections on Saturday
Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), has assured all political parties and stakeholders of a free, fair, and credible election process ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, in Lagos State.
During a meeting held at the Commission’s office in Yaba on Monday, she urged all parties to conduct their campaigns and activities on election day peacefully and lawfully, emphasising their crucial role in shaping the integrity of the electoral process.
“LASIEC is fully empowered by law to organise and supervise all elections for Chairmen and councillors in all local government and LCDA areas within the State,” Okikiolu-Ighile stated, citing relevant laws that empowerd the Commission.
She also highlighted LASIEC’s commitment to liaising with security agencies and political parties to ensure the elections’ success.
The Chairman further stressed the importance of mutual respect and orderly participation throughout the electoral processes, urging party officials to advise their members and supporters to refrain from making provocative statements or engaging in actions that could incite conflict.
“Our commitment is to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, transparent, and credible. However, peace is a shared responsibility, and we are counting on the cooperation of all political parties,” she remarked.
“We call for your support to ensure peaceful conduct before, during, and after the elections. Let us work together to make the 2025 local government elections on July 12 a model of peaceful democratic participation in Lagos.”
In his remarks, the state Police Commissioner, CP Olohundare Jimoh, expressed readiness of the police force in anticipation of the elections. He noted that a joint security committee, comprising heads of all security agencies in the state, has been working to ensure safety throughout the period.
“We are fully prepared for the elections, covering all three phases: pre-election, during the election, and post-election. Thus far, the campaign period has been peaceful, and we assure maximum security across all 13,335 polling units and 376 wards,” Jimoh affirmed.
He added that the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of an additional 8,000 police personnel from neighbouring states to bolster security in Lagos during the elections. The deployment of personnel will commence on Friday and they will work through Monday to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“The police are empowered by electoral law to provide security, and I urge all participants to act responsibly. We are pleased to report that, so far, there have been no skirmishes between party members and supporters,” he added. For riverine communities, the Marine Command of the police and the navy will oversee safety and security.
Jimoh confirmed his active participation in various stakeholder consultative meetings with the LASIEC Chairman and political party leaders to promote peaceful elections. He also assured that there would be restrictions on vehicular movement on Saturday, July 12, except for essential services, and that a central control room for communication would be established at the Lagos State Police Command. Emergency numbers will be provided for immediate assistance in case of any threats or distress.
It was clarified that only federal security agencies would be involved in the elections, with no state security outfits participating in the security arrangements.
