Amanze ChinonyeThe Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has warned that any incident of ballot box snatching during Saturday’s local government elections will automatically result in cancellation and a re-run election in the affected area.
The warning was issued by LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu‑Ighile (retd), during a press briefing held on Thursday in Lagos ahead of the council poll scheduled for Saturday, 12 July 2025.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelShe emphasised the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on electoral malpractice and called on political actors to maintain peace and decorum.
“There will be by-elections if a ballot box is snatched anywhere,” she stated in response to questions from journalists. “While we don’t pray for such to happen, the commission is fully prepared to act in accordance with the law.”
Justice Okikiolu‑Ighile also dismissed speculations of any plan to postpone the elections, reaffirming LASIEC’s readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election across the state’s 57 local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs).
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has revised the previously announced vehicular movement restriction.
In a statement issued on Thursday, police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin explained the adjustment was made to ease the burden on residents with medical emergencies and those with scheduled travel plans.
READ ALSO: Lagos Electoral Commission Set To Hold LG Polls July 12
“To alleviate the problem of residents with critical medical emergencies and long-term international travel plans, the restriction of vehicular movement is hereby readjusted to commence at 6:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, 12 July 2025, not from 3:00 a.m. as earlier announced,” Hundeyin stated.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, further reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process. He disclosed that security personnel had been strategically deployed to polling areas and other critical locations statewide.
“We are fully committed to ensuring a secure, safe, and orderly election. We urge all residents to cooperate fully with security personnel and abide by all guidelines in the interest of peace,” he said.
With hours to go before polls open, LASIEC and security agencies are calling on citizens to participate peacefully and responsibly in shaping grassroots governance through the ballot box.
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