The All Progressives Congress (APC) achieved a landslide victory in the Lagos State local government elections held on Saturday, securing all 57 chairmanship seats and an overwhelming majority of the councillorship positions, winning 375 out of 376. This decisive win solidifies the APC’s dominance in the state’s political landscape, demonstrating their firm grip on power at the grassroots level. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) announced the comprehensive results on Sunday, confirming the APC’s sweep across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state. This outcome was largely anticipated given the APC’s historical stronghold in Lagos, but the scale of the victory underscores the party’s continued popularity and organizational strength.
While the APC’s resounding triumph dominated the election narrative, a notable exception emerged in Ward D of the Yaba LCDA. In an unexpected upset, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Babatunde Dosunmu, secured a victory against his APC opponent. Dosunmu, a former APC member who recently defected to the PDP, managed to break the ruling party’s winning streak in this ward. This isolated PDP win, though a small dent in the APC’s overall success, offers a glimpse of potential vulnerability and may serve as a rallying point for opposition parties in future elections. It also highlights the impact individual candidates and local dynamics can have on election outcomes, even within a predominantly one-party environment.
Despite the generally smooth conduct of the elections, concerns were raised about voter turnout. While official figures are yet to be released, reports suggest that participation was relatively low. This is a recurring challenge in local government elections across Nigeria, often attributed to voter apathy, inadequate voter education, and a perceived lack of direct impact of local government administration on citizens’ lives. Addressing this issue requires sustained efforts to engage citizens, emphasize the importance of local governance, and ensure transparency and accountability at the local government level. Furthermore, allegations of irregularities in certain areas were reported, though details remain scarce. These claims, if substantiated, necessitate thorough investigation by LASIEC to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and address any potential shortcomings.
LASIEC, despite the concerns raised, declared the elections largely peaceful, commending the conduct of voters and security personnel. Maintaining peace and order during elections is crucial for ensuring a credible and participatory process. The relative calm during the Lagos local government elections contributes to the overall legitimacy of the outcome, though addressing the concerns about turnout and alleged irregularities remains important for strengthening public trust in the electoral system.
The newly elected council chairmen and councillors are scheduled to be sworn into office later this month, marking the beginning of their four-year tenure. They face the significant task of delivering on their campaign promises and addressing the needs of their constituents. Key areas of focus are likely to include infrastructure development, waste management, primary healthcare, education, and job creation. The effectiveness of their governance will play a crucial role in shaping public perception of the APC and influencing future electoral contests. Their performance will also be closely scrutinized by the electorate, setting the stage for the next round of local government elections.
The APC’s sweeping victory provides them with a strong mandate to implement their agenda at the local level. However, the low voter turnout and the isolated PDP win should serve as reminders of the need for continued engagement with the electorate and addressing the concerns of all citizens, regardless of party affiliation. The newly elected officials have a responsibility to govern effectively and transparently, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach all residents of Lagos State. Their success will not only benefit the citizens but also strengthen the party’s standing ahead of future elections. The PDP’s unexpected win, while a minor setback for the APC, offers a lesson about the importance of local dynamics and the potential for change even in seemingly entrenched political landscapes. It remains to be seen how this will shape the political landscape in the leadup to future elections.
