The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) formally concluded the 2023 local government elections by presenting certificates of return to the victorious candidates. The ceremony, held at the commission’s headquarters in Sabo Yaba, marked the official transition of power to the newly elected chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors across the state’s 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs). The event solidified the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s resounding victory, securing all 57 chairmanship seats and an overwhelming majority of councillorship positions, with 375 out of 376. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed a solitary win in Ward D of Yaba LCDA, where their candidate, Babatunde Dosunmu, emerged victorious.
Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd), the LASIEC Chairman, presided over the certificate presentation ceremony. In her address, she emphasized the significance of the event, highlighting it as a crucial milestone in the democratic process and the culmination of months of meticulous planning and collaborative efforts. She urged the newly elected officials to prioritize grassroots development and demonstrate commitment to serving the electorate effectively. Okikiolu-Ighile also extended her gratitude to all stakeholders, including the voters, security personnel, media representatives, and the over 45,000 ad hoc staff who contributed to the successful conduct of the elections. Their active participation and unwavering dedication throughout the electoral process were acknowledged and commended.
The presentation of certificates of return officially validates the mandate bestowed upon the elected officials by the people of Lagos State. It signifies the commencement of their tenure, which is set to conclude on July 26, 2025. Okikiolu-Ighile emphasized the weighty responsibility that comes with these positions, urging the elected representatives to uphold the trust placed in them by their constituents. The certificates serve as a tangible symbol of their electoral victory and the beginning of their official duties. They represent the formal recognition of their authority and the responsibility to serve the people of their respective LGAs and LCDAs.
Beyond the symbolic importance, the certificates also mark the end of one electoral cycle and the beginning of another. As the newly elected officials assume their roles, the focus shifts towards their performance and their ability to deliver on their campaign promises. The next four years will be a period of scrutiny and evaluation, as the electorate assesses their effectiveness in addressing local issues and fostering development within their communities. The success of their tenure will depend on their ability to translate their electoral mandate into tangible improvements in the lives of the people they represent.
The LASIEC chairman’s commendation of the commission’s staff and ad hoc personnel underscores the importance of a well-functioning electoral body. Their professionalism and dedication, despite logistical challenges encountered during the early stages of the election, ensured a credible and transparent process. This commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process is crucial for strengthening democratic institutions and fostering public trust in the electoral system. The smooth execution of the elections, despite the challenges, serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the commission’s planning and the dedication of its personnel.
The Lagos local government elections reflect the dynamics of local politics and the aspirations of the electorate at the grassroots level. The APC’s overwhelming victory indicates the party’s strong presence and influence within the state’s political landscape. The PDP’s solitary win, while a small victory, offers a glimpse into the competitive nature of local politics and the potential for alternative voices to emerge. The outcome of these elections sets the stage for the next four years of local governance and provides a platform for addressing the specific needs and concerns of the various communities within Lagos State. The elected officials now have the opportunity to implement their agendas and work towards fulfilling the expectations of the people who have entrusted them with their votes.
