Discrepancies, late arrival of officials, low turnout mar early hours of Lagos LG polls

The Lagos State Local Government Council elections kicked off Saturday morning with a mix of smooth starts in some areas and hitches in others, as reports of logistical issues, low voter turnout, and confusion over polling units disrupted the early voting process in parts of Ikeja and Ikorodu.

In Ikeja Local Government, voting was yet to begin in several key locations as of 9:56 a.m., due to discrepancies in polling unit numbers and the absence of clear accreditation lists. At Olanrewaju/Oregun Junction, two adhoc staff were seen in a heated exchange over a mix-up involving Polling Unit 025. Both claimed assignment to the same unit location, creating confusion among early voters.

Residents at the scene voiced frustration, citing the absence of accreditation lists to verify their eligibility and locate the correct polling units. One voter at Sunday Adigun Street, Ikeja, in Polling Unit 047, Ward F, said she was redirected multiple times to other nearby polling units with no clear guidance.

Further complicating the process, several polling units across Ikeja reportedly had no adhoc staff present, leaving only tables without any coordination or supervision.

In Ikorodu, while accreditation and voting commenced at Polling Unit 011, Otambala Street, Wunpari, Aga, where Senator Tokunbo Abiru is expected to cast his vote, there was a noticeable low voter turnout at most wards and polling stations.

Meanwhile, in Oriade LCDA, Polling Units 007, 005, and 006 in Adeoshodi, Ward F, witnessed a delayed start. According to reports, officials from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) only arrived around 9:40 a.m., following logistical delays at the Oriade local government office in the Satellite area. Despite this, some determined voters stayed back and waited while the officials began setting up for the elections.

LASIEC had earlier pledged a smooth and credible election across all 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs in the state. However, the morning glitches in Ikeja and delayed deployment in Oriade have raised concerns about coordination and voter accessibility.

Observers and residents alike are urging electoral officials to swiftly address these early challenges to ensure that the rest of the voting process proceeds peacefully and efficiently.

Voting is expected to end by 3:00 p.m., after which counting will begin at the polling units.