The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has scheduled the state’s local government elections for 12 July.
Mr. Tope Ojo, Head of Public Affairs at LASIEC, who made the announcement on Friday in Lagos, said that elections for 57 council chairmanship positions and 376 councillorship seats will be held on 12 July. A re-run, if required, is slated for 19 July.
Lagos State comprises 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and LASIEC’s official notice confirmed the elections will cover all 20 LGAs, 37 LCDAs, and 376 wards in the state.
Ojo noted that the date was selected to prevent a leadership vacuum in the state’s councils.
While, the tenure of the current local government administration nearing its end, the commission has intensified preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process, with the LASIEC’s announcement now considered as the formal commencement of the process.
Political parties are expected to obtain nomination forms for their candidates at LASIEC’s headquarters, while political campaigns and rallies are to begin on 18 April and conclude on 9 July. Nomination forms for substituted or single candidates must be submitted between 18 and 25 June.
Ojo also announced a scheduled meeting with all registered political parties on Tuesday and that the Election Guidelines will be published on 17 April,” he said.
LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd), was quoted as assuring stakeholders of a free and credible poll, affirming commission’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.
Okikiolu-Ighile urged parties and aspirants to strictly adhere to the election timetable.
