OJODU, Lagos — July 12, 2025
Tension and frustration built up in parts of Ojodu Local Council Development Area on Saturday as voters were left stranded following the absence of electoral officials during the Lagos State local government elections.
Residents who had turned out early to cast their votes expressed disappointment as polling units in several areas remained unmanned hours after the scheduled commencement of the exercise. Many voters stood in groups, discussing the delay and speculating over the cause, while some returned home in anger and confusion.
At one of the affected polling units, a resident, Mrs. Ronke Ajibola, voiced her frustration, saying, “We got here before 8 a.m. hoping to perform our civic duty, but up till now, no official has arrived. There is no explanation, and we don’t even know if the election will take place here at all.”
Another voter, Mr. Tunde Balogun, described the situation as “a disservice to democracy,” urging the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to be more accountable and transparent in its operations.
Despite the movement restrictions and early morning expectations, the absence of LASIEC personnel and voting materials has raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, LASIEC had not issued any official statement regarding the delays in Ojodu and similar reports from other parts of the state. Voters continue to await updates as the situation unfolds.
