Concerns over the credibility of the Lagos State local government elections heightened on Saturday as former Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, raised the alarm over the disenfranchisement of eligible voters, including herself.
Speaking to journalists shortly after visiting her polling unit, the former deputy governor expressed frustration that her name was missing from the voter register, despite having previously participated in elections at the same location.
“I couldn’t find my name on the list. They claim to have a separate list, but it is unacceptable that voters are being turned away without explanation,” she said.
Bucknor-Akerele’s experience reflects a broader concern being echoed by residents across parts of the state, where delays, missing registers, and allegations of tampering have marred the process.
Describing the situation as a “coordinated attempt to disenfranchise voters,” she argued that the irregularities were too widespread to be ignored and called for the cancellation of the polls.
“There is clear evidence of systemic failure in the conduct of this election,” she added. “It casts serious doubt on the integrity of the process and the outcome.”
Her remarks come amid growing criticism of the handling of the elections, with civil society groups and opposition members also flagging logistical lapses and security concerns.