Movement has been officially restricted across Lagos State from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. today, Saturday, July 12, as residents head to the polls for local government elections.
The restriction, which covers 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), was put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections.
According to Premium Times Nigeria, the Lagos State Police Command announced the revised restriction order earlier in the week.
The directive, signed by spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, allows for limited movement only in cases of medical emergencies, pre-scheduled appointments, or international travel plans.
While movement is restricted for most residents, essential service providers such as health workers, electoral officials, emergency responders, accredited journalists, and election observers are permitted to move freely.
However, the police warned that any vehicle with covered license plates, sirens, or unauthorized escorts will not be allowed unless properly accredited by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
Meanwhile, reports from polling units suggest a slow start in several areas, including Ojodu Berger under Ikeja LGA.
Premium Times Nigeria observed that by 9:00 a.m., some party agents were just arriving to begin setting up, even as early voters waited patiently.
One of the residents, Matthew Adeolu, shared his experience saying, “We came early just so we can vote as expected, but the late commencement is quite discouraging. My neighbours have left. Some promised to come back to vote.”
Security presence in polling areas is being taken seriously, with visible deployments of officers maintaining order and enforcing the movement restriction.
Despite delays, optimism remains high among party agents and voters alike.
A total of 139 candidates representing 10 political parties are contesting chairmanship seats across 57 councils, while 842 councillorship candidates from 14 parties are vying for office in 376 wards.
LASIEC confirmed that out of the 19 political parties that initially showed interest, 15 successfully submitted their candidate lists.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be the most dominant contender, fielding candidates in all 57 councils and 376 wards.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) follows with candidates in 45 councils and 259 wards.
The Labour Party is fielding 22 chairmanship and 130 councillorship candidates.
Other parties participating in the elections include the Zenith Labour Party, Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC), Action Alliance (AA), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others.
The movement restricted directive has received mixed reactions from residents, with many acknowledging its necessity while expressing frustration over slow processes at polling units.
As the day progresses, stakeholders are hopeful that the election will be free of violence and reflect the people’s will.
Meanwhile, LASIEC continues to monitor the process across all polling units.
