Voting materials and electoral officers arrived late at many polling units across Lagos State during Saturday’s local government elections.
The chairmanship and councillorship elections were scheduled to commence by 8:00 a.m., but in most of the polling units monitored, the process had yet to begin at the designated time. Electoral officers and materials only began arriving at many locations after 8:30 a.m.
At Polling Units 030, 031, and 029 situated at Unity Nursery and Primary School, Hostel Bus Stop, beside a Mobil filling station in Egbe-Agodo—there were no signs of officials or materials by 8:00 a.m. Only an agent of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was present.
Several early voters left in frustration after noticing no activity. A similar scenario played out at Polling Units 014 (Authority Avenue), 012, and 049, also in Egbe-Agodo.
Seven polling units in Agege also reported delays. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had previously stated that materials and officials would arrive at polling units by 7:00 a.m.
A presiding officer at Agege, Mrs Abiola Choice, attributed the delay to the late distribution of materials and the unavailability of transport. “Even after collecting the materials at the registration area centre, we had no vehicle to convey us,” she explained.
A 90-year-old voter, Mr Cornelius Stephen, expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s already 8:00 a.m., and only security personnel are here at Agege Primary School, Ward 3.”
In Epe, Eredo, and Ikosi-Ejirin, a heavy downpour that began around 5:35 a.m. further delayed the process and discouraged early turnout. Mr Deji Agunrege, a resident of Epe, noted that the rain could deter elderly voters and those travelling long distances.
At 8:48 a.m., there were still no officials at Polling Unit 021, Ohafia Junction, Ago Palace Way, Okota, in Oshodi/Isolo Local Council Development Area. Meanwhile, tricycle riders continued operations, and some residents were seen jogging or chatting in groups.
In Badagry and Festac Town, similar delays were reported. As of 8:48 a.m., officials were yet to arrive at Mowo Town Hall, Polling Unit 020. In Amuwo Odofin LGA, materials had not reached polling units in Wards B2, C, and K by 9:15 a.m.
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Pastor Emmanuel Okigwe, Labour Party Secretary at Ward C, alleged irregularities. “Our party wasn’t allowed to inspect the materials. As late as midnight, they still hadn’t arrived,” he claimed.
Mr Akindare Adetifa, a septuagenarian, lamented the delays, stating that previous elections had always started on time.
Although some polling units in Egbe/Idimu were set up by 9:00 a.m., voter turnout remained low. Units included 042 (Modupe Shitta), 04 (Yusuf Olatunji), 05 (Olojo/Holmes), 027 (Banjo), and 016 (Lamina Street), all in Ward 5.
A location error also delayed proceedings at Polling Unit 051, Oguntoyibo. An unnamed electoral officer told newsmen: “We couldn’t set up because the address belongs to another unit. We’ve informed our supervisor, who is sending a bus.”
In other areas like Palace Way and Muslim College in Agodo Egbe, voting began around 9:00 a.m., with a gradual turnout of voters.
On the Lagos Mainland, delays were widespread. As of 9:25 a.m., voters were still waiting at numerous polling units. Accreditation and voting commenced around 8:50 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. in some locations, including units in Wards E, C, F, G, and A most of which experienced low turnout.
Conversely, Wards B, D, and I saw stronger voter presence. Mr Olayiwola Sholagbade at Ward D, Unit 009, said, “Many are indoors, watching updates on TV and radio. But we remain hopeful.”
In Ikorodu, Vice Chairperson Mrs Folashade Olabanji-Oba praised the peaceful conduct and encouraged more voters to participate. She voted at Polling Unit 01, Isele.
In Mile 12, polling began on time at several units: Unit 119 at 8:10 a.m., Unit 115 at 8:25 a.m., Unit 030 at 8:40 a.m., and Unit 050 at 8:51 a.m. At Polling Unit 004, opposite Adamson House in Ojogbe, arrangements began at 8:58 a.m.
Despite these challenges, some areas proceeded smoothly, though delays and low turnout persisted in many locations.
