With just days to the Lagos State local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, tension is building as the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has yet to release the official list of candidates. The delay has stirred widespread unease among candidates, political parties, and observers, raising questions about the transparency and credibility of the entire process.
Under the Nigerian Electoral Act and LASIEC’s own guidelines, candidate lists must be published well ahead of polling day to allow the public adequate time to assess their choices. The commission’s continued silence, however, is heightening suspicion and eroding trust across party lines.
When our correspondent visited LASIEC headquarters in Yaba earlier today, the premises bore a tense atmosphere, reinforced by a heavy police presence and barricades, giving the area a near-siege-like appearance.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration over the delay. “It’s worrisome and alarming that with just three days left, LASIEC has not published the list of contesting candidates. We are demanding answers. Their silence is simply unacceptable.”
There is growing speculation that LASIEC may be playing partisan politics by stalling the announcement of opposition candidates. However, even within the ruling APC, there is a lack of clarity. In Mushin, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Agege, Alimosho Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, members remain uncertain about who their candidate is. While some suspect attempts to impose some candidates, nothing has been confirmed by the commission.
“If anyone says LASIEC is only screening APC candidates, that’s not accurate,” some APC members in Epe, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Mushin, Ikosi-Isheri stated. “Even we don’t know who is running. There are rumors of internal interference, but without the official list, we’re left completely in the dark.”
The confusion appears to extend beyond the APC. A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member in Apapa LGA, also speaking under condition of anonymity, alleged that internal disputes and external influences have complicated the selection process.
“There’s been a power struggle within the party over which candidates to field,” he said. “We heard the list was taken to an APC chieftain in Abuja for ratification. When it came back to Lagos, several names had been altered. This disruption has delayed LASIEC’s ability to finalize and release the list. The situation is chaotic, and many of our members feel betrayed.”
According to him, the changes were made without the consent of key party leaders, and many candidates—including some closely aligned with influential figures—were affected. “We are prepared for whatever happens. Saturday will reveal everything,” he concluded.
Some political analysts suggest LASIEC’s delay may be a strategic move to limit the window for legal action that could challenge the candidates or the process itself.
As election day draws near, the pressure is mounting on LASIEC to come clean and restore public confidence in the electoral system. For now, uncertainty reigns—and the credibility of the July 12 polls hangs in the balance.
