Lagos Poll Boycott Threat Looms Over LCDA Dispute

Political Tension Rises as Lagos Parties Threaten to Boycott July 12 Council Polls Over Inclusion of 37 LCDAs, Demand Adherence to 20 Constitutionally Recognized LGAs

LAGOS — With the July 12 Local Government elections fast approaching in Lagos State, some political parties have issued a strong warning: they will boycott the polls if the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are included, insisting that only the constitutionally recognized 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) be acknowledged in the exercise.

This declaration was made during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) on Tuesday. The parley brought together representatives from 19 registered political parties, including the APC, PDP, Labour Party, Accord, NNPP, ADC, ADP, and others.

The boycott threat comes despite LASIEC’s assurances of a free, fair, and credible election process. The commission had earlier fixed July 12 for the council elections, with a re-run scheduled for July 19, 2025, covering all 20 LGAs and the 37 LCDAs.

Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighile (retd), reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality and commitment to due process.

“We are not for any political party. We are LASIEC. Our mandate is to conduct a free, fair, inclusive and credible election. None of us is a card-carrying member of any party,” she stated.

However, Chairperson of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos, Mrs. Temilola Akinade, expressed dissatisfaction with the LASIEC board’s handling of the process. She accused the commission of sidelining key stakeholders, including IPAC, in the release of election guidelines.

“The manner in which the notice of election and guidelines were released—without input from critical stakeholders like IPAC—is unacceptable,” Akinade said. “There are still unresolved issues regarding the interpretation of the Supreme Court’s position on LG autonomy and its implications for the 37 LCDAs created by the state government.”

Voicing similar concerns, Mr. Ayinde Olawale of the ACC declared that his party would not participate in any election that includes the LCDAs.

Also speaking, Mr. Dele Oladeji, State Chairman of the AP, called on LASIEC to be more transparent and inclusive, urging the commission to provide access to relevant electoral laws and documents.

In her response, Justice Okikiola-Ighile noted that the commission’s delayed interaction with IPAC was due to the heavy workload upon assuming office in January. She stressed that the law requires LASIEC to meet with IPAC before the release of guidelines—a condition she said had now been fulfilled, with the document set to be released on April 17.

She further urged all political parties to adhere strictly to the electoral timetable and procedures, including collection of nomination forms from LASIEC headquarters. She also announced that female aspirants would pay half of the administrative fees, in line with the commission’s efforts to promote gender inclusion.

The LASIEC boss assured that a verified list of candidates will be published at the commission’s headquarters after the screening process.

As political parties gear up for the polls, the controversy surrounding the status of the LCDAs continues to stir debate, raising questions about legal clarity and electoral participation.

Follow News Review on Facebook and X