By Sodiq Adelakun

Voting has commenced in the Lagos State local government elections today, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in what is shaping up to be a quiet but critical test of political dominance in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), residents, political actors, and observers are watching closely as Lagos decides its next crop of grassroots leaders.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) confirmed the deployment of election materials and security personnel to all 13,325 polling units ahead of the exercise.

Voting began at 8 a.m., with assurances from LASIEC that adequate arrangements are in place to accommodate elderly voters, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has controlled Lagos since 1999, enters the contest with a formidable political structure and vast grassroots reach.

However, opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party (LP), are hoping to make inroads after their unexpected wins in key polling units during the 2023 general elections.

LP’s efforts are more visible in areas like Amuwo-Odofin, Eti-Osa, and Surulere, but campaign activity has been uneven across other local councils.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the main opposition in Lagos, has been largely muted due to internal crises and diminished public presence.

The buildup to today’s poll was not without controversy. Civil society groups and opposition figures expressed concerns about LASIEC’s preparedness, with the commission releasing its final list of candidates just four days before the vote on July 8.

Several opposition candidates, especially from the LP, also alleged intimidation, vandalism of campaign materials, and fears of election disruptions in flashpoints such as Amuwo-Odofin.

In response, LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd.), assured Lagosians of a credible process, while security agencies pledged to ensure orderliness at all polling units.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to come out en masse, describing local government councils as “the closest tier of government to the people and a vital link in service delivery.”