Electoral activities across several polling units in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State were disrupted this morning following the delay in the arrival of voting materials.
As a result, voters remained stranded hours into the start of the much-anticipated local government election.
According to BusinessDay, polling units 014, 033, 044, and 012 had officials from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) present.
However, voting had yet to commence due to the absence of crucial materials needed for the process.
Moreover, voter turnout in these affected areas was low, and there are growing concerns that the persistent delay could lead to frustration and voter apathy.
Residents said they had expected a smoother operation to ensure people could exercise their constitutional rights without unnecessary barriers.
Jamiu Adeleye, a 38-year-old trader, voiced his concern, saying, “I’ve been at the polling unit since 8 am, and I’ve not voted.”
He expressed hope that the situation would improve before noon, but warned that voters might begin to leave if things remained the same.
Meanwhile, party agents on ground also lamented the slow pace of events.
Babatunde Oladimeji, a representative of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the delay as “unusual” and troubling.
“Though delays are inevitable, at this stretch, voters may begin to lament,” he stated.
Elsewhere across Lagos State, voting had begun in several other polling units, with residents casting their ballots as expected.
However, in Iba LCDA, the situation was further compounded by limited communication between election officials and the voters, leaving many unsure of the next steps.
Furthermore, observers worry that the disorganization may affect overall turnout and could reflect poorly on LASIEC’s handling of the grassroots election.
It is also important to note that today’s election covers 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos.
Over 139 chairmanship candidates across 57 councils and more than 800 councillorship aspirants are contesting under various political parties.
Despite the challenges in Iba LCDA, security personnel were seen maintaining calm and enforcing movement restrictions in the area.
Many residents remained seated patiently, hoping for a late start that would still allow them to vote.
As the election unfolds, the role of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officials remains critical in determining the credibility and success of the local government polls.
