By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) looms as a formidable obstacle for opposition parties gearing up for the 2025 Local Government Chairmanship race, triggering fervent prayers and calls for reform.
Amidst a shroud of silence enveloping potential contestants and opposition parties in Kosofe and across Lagos State, concerns mount over LASIEC’s perceived bias and compromised stance. Many view contesting under LASIEC as an exercise in futility, citing deep-seated skepticism regarding the commission’s impartiality and fairness. Instead, there’s a resounding call for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take charge of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to ensure transparency and equity.
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Investigations by Kosofe Post reveal a troubling trend spanning from 1999 to the present, where LASIEC’s electoral outcomes consistently favor the ruling party. Despite occasional criticisms of incumbent council executives’ performance, no opposition candidate has clinched the Chairmanship of any of Lagos State’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas since the return of democratic governance. The July 2021 elections underscored this dominance, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) sweeping all Chairmanship seats and clinching 375 out of 377 councillorship positions. Disgruntled parties seeking recourse through the Local Government election petition tribunal have often found the odds stacked against them, with rulings predominantly favoring ruling party candidates.