Lagos LG Polls: IPAC Threatens Boycott Over Inclusion of 37 LCDAs
LAGOS — Tensions are rising ahead of the July 12 Local Government elections in Lagos State as the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and several political parties have vowed to boycott the polls over the inclusion of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which they claim are not constitutionally recognized.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had earlier announced that elections would be held across the 20 constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs) as well as the 37 LCDAs. A rerun is scheduled for July 19, 2025.
However, during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by LASIEC with representatives of 19 registered political parties, strong opposition was voiced regarding the legitimacy of the LCDAs.
Political Parties Cry Foul Over LCDAs
IPAC Chairperson, Mrs. Temilola Akinade, expressed deep dissatisfaction with LASIEC’s handling of the electoral process, accusing the commission of sidelining critical stakeholders in the release of election notices and guidelines.
According to Akinade, “The process has been flawed from the onset. LASIEC released the election timetable and guidelines without due consultation with IPAC, which violates the spirit of transparency and inclusiveness.”
She further raised concerns over unresolved constitutional questions surrounding the status of the LCDAs, saying, “There is still no clarity on how the Supreme Court’s pronouncements on local government autonomy apply to the 37 LCDAs created by the state government.”
Several party leaders echoed her stance, including Mr. Ayinde Olawale of the African Congress for Change (ACC), who stated categorically that his party would not participate in an election that includes the 37 LCDAs.
Similarly, Mr. Dele Oladeji, Chairman of the Action Party (AP), urged the LASIEC board to do more in fostering engagement with political parties and making relevant legal frameworks accessible.
LASIEC Responds: We’re Committed to Fairness
In response to the backlash, LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Mobolanle Okikiola-Ighile (retd), defended the commission’s actions, attributing the delay in engagement with stakeholders to administrative demands since the board assumed duty in January.
“We acknowledge the importance of IPAC and the political parties. The guidelines are slated for release on April 17, and this meeting was convened to incorporate your views. We are committed to a free, fair, inclusive, and credible election,” she said.
Justice Okikiola-Ighile emphasized that none of the LASIEC officials are affiliated with any political party and urged stakeholders to see the commission as a neutral body.
Election Guidelines and Gender Inclusion
She also outlined key elements of the election guidelines, including the nomination process and deadlines. Parties are expected to collect nomination forms directly from LASIEC headquarters.
In a move aimed at promoting gender inclusivity, the commission announced that female candidates will only be required to pay half of the stipulated administrative fees.
“The final list of validated candidates will be publicly displayed at the LASIEC headquarters after the verification process,” Okikiola-Ighile concluded.
What Lies Ahead
As the countdown to the elections continues, the threat of a boycott looms large. With unresolved constitutional debates and discontent among political stakeholders, LASIEC faces increasing pressure to ensure that the electoral process is not only credible but also legally defensible.
Whether the elections will go on as planned, and with full participation from all parties, remains to be seen.
Reference
Lagos LG Polls: IPAC Threatens Boycott Over Inclusion of 37 LCDAs