Widespread chaos is currently rocking the local government elections in Lagos State as voters across multiple polling units reported the absence of electoral officials and essential materials, raising fresh concerns over the credibility of the process.
From Maryland to Ajeromi-Ifelodun and down to Ibafon, frustrated Lagos residents said that as of late morning, voting had yet to commence due to the non-arrival of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) personnel and materials.
In Mende, Maryland, voters were still waiting for election officials hours after the scheduled 8:00 a.m. start time. Meanwhile, in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Ibafon, polling units remained deserted with no signs of activity.
Eyewitnesses also pointed to a lack of basic electoral items such as the voter register and accreditation devices. Security personnel were nowhere to be found in several polling centers, adding to the growing chaos.
One visibly upset polling agent in Ajeromi said, “I was told that distribution of materials would commence by 3 am. I was there since that 3 am, and up till now, they are just sharing the materials. I am not sure anything is happening. As you can see, they have a plan because when I came out this morning, I was indoors, trying to find out what’s happening. In my ward, no Labour Party councillor or People’s Democratic Party councillor, only APC and AAC.”
He further alleged manipulation and warned against accepting rigged ballots: “What we are saying here is very simple: any thumbprinted ballot paper will not be accepted at any polling unit. Elections that are meant to start by 8 am they are coming here by 10 am. They must provide the voters’ register and accredit before voting.”
The elections, conducted by LASIEC, were meant to produce new local council leaders across the state. But with the poor showing and late arrival of materials and officials in multiple areas, the process is already being tainted by allegations of deliberate sabotage and lack of transparency.
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