Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and well-coordinated conduct of the ongoing local government elections across the state.
Speaking after casting his vote at Polling Unit 006, Ward E, Lagos Island Local Government Area, at exactly 11:10 a.m. on Saturday, the governor lauded the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for its efficient handling of the polls.

Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the governor praised the calm atmosphere and the professionalism of electoral officers.

“As you can see, everything is okay here. Voting is ongoing, the officers are on ground, and I have just performed my civic responsibility. The atmosphere is peaceful, party agents are present, and within three to four minutes, everything is concluded,” he told journalists.

Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged minor logistical delays in the early hours of the day, mainly related to transportation restrictions.
However, he noted that the situation was quickly addressed, and election materials and personnel were effectively deployed.

“There were no shortages of materials. The issue was just about getting people to their polling units. But as of now, the reports indicate that most areas have commenced voting,” he said.

Underscoring the significance of local governance, the governor reiterated that local governments remain a vital component of Nigeria’s democratic framework.

He emphasised the need for their autonomy and praised the developmental strides being made across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

“Our councils have keyed into the THEMES Plus agenda and are running with it, even at the LCDA level. This shows their commitment to service delivery and grassroots development,” he stated, adding that these efforts also align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope vision.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the presence of election observers, including delegates from other states’ electoral commissions, who were on ground to monitor proceedings in Lagos.

The state’s commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, cast his vote on Saturday morning during the local government elections, calling on citizens to take grassroots governance more seriously.

Alebiosu voted at exactly 11:25 a.m. at the Okunola Aina/Ibironke Junction polling unit in Kosofe Local Government Area.
Speaking with journalists after casting his ballot, he underscored the importance of civic participation at the local level.

“The local council is the closest government to the people. Just as we eagerly anticipate our annual cultural festivals, we should also embrace local elections as part of our democratic culture. It’s not just a duty — it should be a tradition,” he said.

The Commissioner emphasised that real development begins at the grassroots and urged both candidates and eventual winners to put the people’s welfare first.

“We cannot keep looking to the state and federal governments for everything. Local government officials have their own crucial responsibilities. Executive Chairman is not a title — it’s a responsibility. The same applies to elected councillors,” he said.

Despite the overall smooth conduct of the elections, some parts of Ikorodu experienced a delayed start.

In the Power Line area of Ward A, voting started late, even though electoral officials and materials had arrived early.

The delay was attributed to the unavailability of chairs, which officials claimed were to be provided by party agents.

However, in the Aga area near the Ikorodu Club junction, voting started on time at 9:00 a.m. The process was orderly and peaceful, albeit with a low voter turnout.

Akinyemi Ali, an APC chieftain and chairmanship aspirant for Ikorodu Local Government, praised the calm and organised conduct of the exercise.

In Ward B3, Polling Unit 001, Isiwu, Adamo, Ikorodu North LCDA, the process was similarly peaceful, though turnout remained low.

Elder Oyekanmi Famuyibo, a prominent APC figure in the area, said he was pleased with the turnout and expressed optimism about the party’s chances across the state.

“Although voting started a bit late because the materials arrived shortly before the scheduled time, people are coming out gradually to vote,” Famuyibo said.

He also appealed to the APC leadership to elevate Ikorodu North LCDA to a full-fledged local government.

Meanwhile, Mariam Ajoke, a voter at Polling Booth 008 in Isiwu, said she cast her vote out of a desire for positive change.
“I voted not because I enjoy the dividends of democracy here in Adamo, but because I want positive change. And I believe one day my vote will count,” she said.

The Sun Nigeria