Lagos, July 12, 2025 — Major roads and streets across Lagos State were unusually quiet on Saturday morning as the much-anticipated local government elections officially got underway.
Residents largely complied with the restriction of movement order imposed by the Lagos State Police Command, which took effect from 6:00 a.m. and will remain in place until 3:00 p.m., as part of security measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.
From Ikeja to Surulere, Ikorodu to Badagry, and Lagos Island to Epe, most thoroughfares appeared deserted, with commercial activities halted and minimal vehicular movement. Security operatives, including police officers and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were seen manning key checkpoints and strategic locations across the state.
At several polling units visited in parts of the state, electoral officers were observed setting up materials, while voters trickled in to exercise their civic responsibility. Officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) confirmed that logistics had been deployed across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) ahead of the polls.
The election is expected to produce chairmen and councillors who will steer affairs at the grassroots level for the next three years. Though turnout appeared low in the early hours, observers expect participation to pick up as the day progresses.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier urged residents to come out en masse and vote peacefully, describing the elections as a vital aspect of deepening democracy at the local level.
Security agencies have reiterated their readiness to respond swiftly to any form of disruption, even as the state awaits the results from the day’s exercise.
