The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced that elections for all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will take place in 2025.
This clarification was made by the APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, in a statement issued on Sunday, addressing growing speculation regarding the status of the LCDAs in the state.
Ojelabi explained that there had been increasing media reports, concerns from party members, and questions from stakeholders about whether elections would be held in the 37 LCDAs.
He emphasized that these rumors needed to be dispelled.
“We wish to inform everyone that Local Government elections will take place in all 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas in 2025,” Ojelabi stated.
The APC chairman noted that since their establishment, the LCDAs have played a crucial role in bringing development to the grassroots, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of the state.
He highlighted infrastructure projects like roads, drainage, schools, and healthcare facilities, which have been implemented by the LCDAs.
He further remarked that the LCDAs have collaborated with the state government on various initiatives, such as waste management, drainage clearing, and enhancing security, proving their ongoing importance to the state’s development.
Ojelabi also addressed the ongoing debate about the role of the LCDAs and the necessity of elections in their political offices.
He reiterated that the APC, as a progressive party, fully recognizes the contributions of the LCDAs and supports their continued existence.
“The contributions of the LCDAs are indispensable to the overall development of Lagos State, and we cannot disregard their role in improving the lives of our people,” Ojelabi said.
He concluded by urging party members and residents to remain peaceful and cooperative, as the state strives to maintain its position as a leader within the federation.
This announcement follows debates over the proposed Local Government Administration Bill, which seeks to replace the 37 LCDAs with Area Administrative Councils.
The bill, which is still under consideration in the Lagos State House of Assembly, is being examined in light of the Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from various political stakeholders in the state.
