By Dansu Peter With local government elections in Lagos State scheduled for July 12, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASI...
By Dansu Peter
With local government elections in Lagos State scheduled for July 12, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has reached out to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for direction following the emergence of three rival factions within the Labour Party (LP).
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held Thursday in Ikeja, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd.), revealed that the commission had received separate invitations from each faction of the LP to monitor their respective primaries.
“Today, we were invited by one of the Labour Party factions. Unfortunately, our records show there are three groups all laying claim to legitimacy,” she said. “In light of this, we have written to INEC for guidance. Until we receive clarification, we cannot observe or recognize any of the LP primaries.”
Justice Phillips noted that the unresolved leadership crisis in the party prevented the commission from participating in any of its primary elections.
“We cannot entertain multiple factions from a single party. That is why LASIEC did not attend any of the LP primaries today,” she clarified.
Despite the party’s internal divisions, LASIEC confirmed that the Labour Party had signaled its readiness to participate in the forthcoming polls.
“They have shown interest, and we have taken note of that. But our absence from their primaries was simply due to the ongoing disputes within the party,” she explained.
The LASIEC boss also disclosed that 19 registered political parties would participate in the local government elections, with preparations already underway to monitor primaries across the state.
“On Saturday, we will be observing the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” she said. “Last weekend, we monitored the APC councillorship primaries across various wards in Lagos.”
She emphasized that LASIEC’s role during primaries is strictly observational.
“We don’t intervene or offer advice during primaries. Our presence is solely to confirm that a primary has indeed taken place.”
The stakeholders’ forum, themed “Enhancing a Credible and Inclusive Local Government Elections in Lagos,” brought together traditional leaders, market associations, youth groups, and representatives from political parties.
Meanwhile, civil society group Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria has raised concerns about the legal and procedural integrity of the planned July 12 polls.
In a statement issued Thursday, EiE criticized the timeline announced by LASIEC, warning that the election date could violate the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
“The current tenure of local government chairmen and councillors in Lagos ends on July 27, 2025,” said Tosin Adeyemi, EiE’s Senior Media Associate. “According to Section 103(3) of the Electoral Act, elections must be held between 150 and 30 days before that date, meaning the valid window falls between February 25 and June 25, 2025. The announced July 12 date falls outside this legal window.”
The group acknowledged LASIEC’s effort to comply with a 90-day notice but argued that the commission must align with federal standards, especially those applicable to FCT Area Council elections, as mandated under Section 150 of the Act.
EiE also faulted LASIEC for failing to consult with political stakeholders before issuing its election guidelines, as pointed out by the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
The organization called for the immediate release of a revised LASIEC Law and demanded legal clarification on the participation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which are not constitutionally recognized.
“The Governor must ensure that the commission he appointed operates within the bounds of its legal and constitutional obligations,” the statement added.
As preparations continue, questions remain over legal compliance, party unity, and the overall transparency of the electoral process in Lagos State.
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