By John Umeh
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has announced that local government elections across the state will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The announcement was made on Friday by LASIEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Tope Ojo, marking the official launch of the electoral calendar for the 2025 local council polls. Voters will head to the polls to elect chairpersons for 57 local councils and councillors for 376 wards, covering the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
In the event of a rerun in any affected wards or councils, LASIEC has scheduled supplementary elections for July 19, 2025.
The elections are set to fill the vacuum as the current tenure of local government officials draws to a close. LASIEC says it is ramping up preparations to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any disruption to governance at the grassroots level.
“The Commission has released the official Notice of Election, which formally kicks off the electoral process. Political parties are now invited to collect nomination forms for their candidates at the LASIEC headquarters,” Ojo stated.
To deepen engagement with political stakeholders, LASIEC has scheduled a meeting with all registered political parties for Tuesday.
The Election Guidelines, which will detail timelines, procedures, and campaign protocols, are expected to be published on April 17. Campaign activities and political rallies will officially begin the next day, April 18, and run until July 9, giving parties ample time to promote their platforms and candidates.
According to LASIEC’s timetable, political parties must complete the nomination of candidates—both substituted and sole entries—between June 18 and June 25.
Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd), Chairperson of LASIEC, reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election.
“We are determined to deliver a free, fair, and transparent process that provides equal opportunities to all political parties,” she said. “This election is crucial for strengthening democracy at the grassroots, and we’re working closely with all stakeholders to maintain public trust.”
She called on political actors, civil society groups, security agencies, and citizens to contribute to a peaceful and orderly election process.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has consistently underscored the importance of local governance in delivering development and public services. With over 90% of community-based initiatives and public programs rooted in local council operations, these elections are seen as critical to Lagos’ developmental agenda.
Political observers believe the upcoming polls could set the stage for broader political realignments as the 2027 general elections approach, making July’s council elections a key moment for parties vying for grassroots dominance.
