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Local government

Low Voter Turnout Marred Lagos State Local Government Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Low voter turnout was observed in many polling units across Lagos State during the recent local government elections, which were described as peaceful and well-coordinated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, a former deputy governor of the state, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, has called for the cancellation of the elections, alleging malpractices and rigging. Despite the low turnout, Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the electoral process, attributing minor logistical delays to transportation restrictions. Bucknor-Akerele, on the other hand, accused LASIEC of disrupting the exercise and relocating polling units to favor one party.

Key Takeaways:

  • The local government elections in Lagos State reported a low voter turnout, with many polling units experiencing sparse participation.
  • Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and well-coordinated conduct of the elections, despite minor logistical delays.
  • Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele called for the cancellation of the elections, alleging malpractices and rigging.
  • Bucknor-Akerele claimed that many people were unable to vote because their polling units were relocated without prior notice.
  • LASIEC (Lagos State Independent National Electoral Commission) created over 13,000 polling units for the exercise.
  • Fifteen out of 19 political parties fielded candidates for the polls.
  • Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the calm atmosphere and professionalism of electoral officers during the elections.
  • Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the significance of local governance and emphasized the importance of local councils in Nigeria's democratic framework.

Statistics:

  • Over 13,000 polling units were created for the local government elections in Lagos State.
  • Fifteen out of 19 political parties participated in the polls.
  • The elections were conducted across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
  • The polls were held under heavy security, with electoral observers present to monitor the process.

Sources:

  • "Low Voter Turnout Marred Lagos State Local Government Elections" by NAN News Agency, [NAN News Agency]
  • "Sanwo-Olu Hails Peaceful Exercise, as Bucknor-Akerele Alleges Malpractices" by PM News, [PM News]
  • "LASIEC Creates over 13,000 Polling Units for Local Government Elections" by The Guardian, [The Guardian]

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