The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has announced July 12 as the date for the upcoming local government elections across the state.
Mr. Tope Ojo, Head of Public Affairs at LASIEC, disclosed the development on Friday in Lagos, stating that the polls will cover all 57 council chairmanship seats and 376 councillorship positions.
He added that a re-run, if necessary, would be held on July 19.
Lagos State is made up of 20 constitutionally recognized local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The selection of July 12 for the polls, according to LASIEC, is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and preventing any leadership vacuum at the local government level.
In its official notice, the commission confirmed that the election will involve 20 Local Governments, 37 LCDAs, and 376 wards across the state.
“With the current local government administration nearing its end, LASIEC has ramped up efforts for a smooth election process,” the statement read, noting that the commission has commenced the electoral process with the release of the Notice of Election.
Political parties have been instructed to visit LASIEC’s headquarters to obtain nomination forms for their respective candidates.
Ojo added, “A meeting with all registered political parties is set for Tuesday.”
He further noted that “The Election Guidelines will be published on April 17,” while campaigns and rallies will begin on April 18 and conclude on July 9.
Parties are required to submit nomination forms for both “substituted” and “only candidate” cases between June 18 and June 25.
LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), gave assurances of transparency and impartiality in the conduct of the election.
“We are committed to holding a free, fair, inclusive, and credible election,” she said.
She also urged all political parties and aspirants to comply strictly with the electoral timetable and guidelines issued by the commission.
