The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has officially announced that the much-anticipated local government elections will take place on July 12, 2025. This election will cover 57 council chairmanship seats and 376 councillorship positions across Lagos’ 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
As the tenure of the current local council officials nears its end, LASIEC has begun preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process, avoiding any governance vacuum at the third tier of government. Tope Ojo, LASIEC’s Head of Public Affairs, confirmed that if any reruns are necessary in particular wards or councils, a supplementary election will be held on July 19.
The announcement marks the formal start of the electoral process, with LASIEC releasing the official Notice of Election, which allows political parties to begin obtaining nomination forms for their candidates. LASIEC will also meet with all registered political parties on Tuesday to discuss the election process.
In addition, LASIEC will release detailed Election Guidelines on April 17, outlining important timelines and rules for candidate nominations, campaign activities, and the overall conduct of the election. Political campaigns and rallies will be permitted to begin April 18 and run through July 9, providing nearly three months for political parties to present their candidates and platforms to voters.
The nomination process for substituted candidates or situations involving only one candidate will be open from June 18 to June 25, according to the electoral timetable.
Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd), Chairman of LASIEC, emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive election. She assured that LASIEC would work hard to maintain a level playing field for all political parties, regardless of their size or influence.
The election is expected to be a crucial test for Lagos’ political landscape, especially as political parties compete for influence at the grassroots level. With more than 90% of public services and community development activities managed at the local government level, ensuring credible elections at this tier is vital for Lagos’ continued development. The local government elections are seen as a prelude to larger political shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has repeatedly underscored the importance of local governance in achieving the city’s development goals, positioning these elections as a key component of Lagos’ governance structure.