As Lagos State prepares for its local government elections scheduled for July 12, 2025, the importance of this civic exercise cannot be overstated. While presidential and gubernatorial polls often steal the spotlight, grassroots elections, like the one approaching, arguably have the most direct impact on the daily lives of residents. It is for this reason that every eligible Lagosian must see July 12 as more than just a date on the calendar, but a defining moment to shape their immediate environment.
The upcoming election, to be conducted by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), will determine who oversees the affairs of the state’s 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs). These councils are responsible for key community-level functions such as waste management, primary healthcare, basic education, road maintenance, market regulation, and other social services that affect everyday life in Lagos.
For a city-state that remains Nigeria’s commercial capital with over 20 million residents, effective local governance is critical. Yet, many Lagosians have historically shown low interest in local council elections, often citing voter apathy, lack of credible choices, or minimal publicity as reasons. This passive attitude, however, only emboldens incompetence and allows poor governance to persist at the grassroots.
The July 12 election provides an opportunity to reverse this trend. It is a chance for Lagos residents to ask hard questions of candidates, scrutinize manifestos, and elect individuals who truly understand the challenges of local communities, whether it’s flooding in Oshodi, traffic gridlock in Apapa, waste disposal issues in Alimosho, or health infrastructure gaps in Epe.
Moreover, participating in the election is not merely a civic duty; it is a necessary step toward accountability. When citizens engage actively, they send a clear message that political offices are not to be traded among elites without the consent of the people. It is also a reminder to party leaders that the grassroots cannot be ignored, especially in a megacity like Lagos where every ward and polling unit tells its own story of development or neglect.
Security agencies have assured the public of adequate protection throughout the electoral process, and LASIEC has pledged transparency and fairness. With political campaigns already heating up across the state, residents must seize the moment not just to observe, but to influence outcomes through the ballot box.
Ultimately, July 12 is not just about local government chairmen and councillors. It is about drainage systems that work, markets that are clean and orderly, schools that have enough teachers, and roads that don’t collapse after the first heavy rain. It is about building a Lagos where governance begins from the bottom and reflects the true needs of the people.
Every eligible Lagosian should step out on election day, cast their vote, and take ownership of the democratic process. The future of Lagos begins at the grassroots, and July 12 is a date with destiny.
