The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State expects to win all chairmanship and councillorship seats in yesterday’s local government election in the state, according to the spokesperson of the party, Mr Seye Oladejo.

Oladejo expressed the confidence while speaking with newsmen in Agege.

He said the expected victory was based on the party’s performance at the various levels of government.

His view was shared by a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Otunba Henry Ajomale, who said APC’s hold on Lagos remained unshaken.

 “We are going to win. There’s no doubt about that,” Ajomale said after casting his vote at Polling Unit 013, Ali Dada, off Ago Palace Way, Isolo.

Early returns from different parts of the state showed that the party was coasting to victory.

 Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in an open letter to Lagosians last night extended appreciation to those who came out to perform their civic duty in the local government elections.

“Your peaceful conduct, sense of responsibility and turnout across polling units have once again demonstrated the true spirit of Lagos — a state built on participation, progress and people-centred governance,” he said.

He particularly commended the youth, elders, market women, artisans, professionals and all stakeholders who “exercised their right to vote with dignity and orderliness.”

He added: “You have shown that democracy will continue to shape leadership when the people actively participate in elections.

“In other words, you reaffirmed that we are truly the Centre of Excellence.”

However, the election recorded a low turnout of voters.

Election materials also got to some polling centres late.

The conduct of the election was generally peaceful.

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, said he had not received any negative report as at the time he spoke to reporters in Ikorodu.

“So far, so good. The process is very good. There has not been any disturbance of the peace anywhere,” he said.

A member of the State House of Assembly, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Human Rights and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Oladipupo Ajomale, expressed confidence in APC’s structure and chances despite logistical setbacks and visibly low turnout in some areas.

“The turnout is low, yes, but the APC has done its homework.

“I’m confident my chairman and councillor will emerge victorious.

“Across the state, we are hopeful for clean wins,” he said.

On the performance of LASIEC, the lawmaker noted: “I must be honest with you, the turnout is very, very low.

“It’s unfair to say people weren’t aware. There was even restriction of movement.

“The reality is that people just ignore local government elections, then turn around to say they’re not being represented.”

Adequate security was in place as promised by the police.

Police officers were seen at all the locations visited, including Iyana-Ejigbo, Isolo, Ikotun, Igando, Iba and Isheri.

The Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, attributed the delays to logistic issues.

He spoke with reporters shortly after casting his vote in Polling Unit 014, Ikeja GRA.

He acknowledged that there could be room for improvement going forward in future elections.

According to him, the election was peaceful, and he commended LASIEC for proper organisation.

Ayinde expressed confidence in his party, APC’s success in the election.

He said: “I pray that by the grace of God, our party is going to come out victorious at the end of the day.

“Going by the magnitude of the work and the achievements of this present government in Lagos State, and going by what our council chairmen are doing presently in Lagos State, I think by the grace of God, we will carry the day.”

A commissioner with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Hakeem Bamgbola, hailed LASIEC for organising a peaceful and credible election.

Bamgbola, however, called for more youths engagement and grassroots development.

The Commissioner expressed optimism about the party’s performance, stating: “We are very hopeful, and I can assure you that we are going to win all the positions in the local governments.

“Our party’s candidates will be declared winners.”

He was confident of a clean sweep, but also highlighted critical areas for improvement, particularly concerning voter’s turnout among the youths and the need for robust grassroots development.

Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Muhammed, said voters’ turnout was impressive in her council.

She lauded LASIEC for staging a free, fair and credible exercise.

She said: “Apapa-Iganmu is a bit different because a larger percentage of residents are actively involved in politics.

“So we take these elections very seriously. Our people turned out well and we are confident in the results.”

APC Candidate in Apapa-Iganmu, Saliu Jimoh, described the poll as nothing short of perfect.

“We’ve seen significant improvements in the election process in Lagos State over time, and today’s conduct is a testament to that progress. It was well-organised and truly commendable,” he said.

According to him, “the turnout has been massive. Anyone who witnessed my rallies would have seen the overwhelming public acceptance I’ve received.”

A member of the State House of Assembly, Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2), commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, saying it was a reflection of the people’s resolve to vote for the party that has shown empathy, tact and commitment towards improving the lots of Lagosians.

“It is evident that there is development in all facets of life. There is no local government that you cannot see meaningful and landmark development,” he said.

He charged winners of the election to accelerate development in areas such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, accessible and quality health care, standard primary schools and housing schemes that target the poor.

Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Adeboye Olasoju, commended LASIEC’s handling of the election and noted improved participation compared to previous council elections.

“I think this election is better than the last four years, maybe because of the orientation and sensitisation by LASIEC.

“The turnout is not as high as the 2023 election, but it’s better than that of 2021,” he added.

“Our expectations are high. The LASIEC officials are conducting themselves in the highest professional manner, and we hope for the best,” the chairman concluded.

An elderly voter, Chief Adio Hassan, said he expected a peaceful and successful exercise.

“I always make sure I vote because I’m a patriotic citizen. We expect good turnout later despite the late arrival of voters,” he said.

Police Commissioner Jimoh said the command was equally prepared for post election security, adding that adequate arrangements had been put in place to prevent disruptions.

He said the police would not tolerate any activity capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

“We know that after results are announced, there will be jubilation and, possibly, agitation.

“But we will not allow anyone to blackmail the process or disturb the public peace in any part of the state.

“We are good to go,” he said.

For riverine areas, CP Jimoh said 16 gunboats were deployed by the police to man both urban and rural riverine.

PDP can never win Lagos — Jandor

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State in 2023, Mr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, said the party would continue to lose elections in the state because of its weak grassroots structure.

Adediran, who defected to the ruling APC, spoke after casting his vote at Polling Unit 001, Ward D, Irewe, a riverine community in Ojo area.

He said for the PDP to win the state and displace the APC, it needed to work very hard at the grassroots.

He, however, said he did not even see any party displacing APC in the state now or in the future.

“While in the PDP we came with fresh ideas and we did our best but could not make headway, because PDP as a party is rarely known at the grassroots.

“APC as a party in Lagos State has over the years built strong grassroots structures.

“The party is a household name in every community.

“”Based on this, people like us, with a host of followers, joined the train to build on the legacies of previous leaders rather than stay in opposition.

“As it stands, PDP does not have the grassroots stature to contend with APC in Lagos State.

“I salute the President, Asuwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for laying the foundation for the progress of the party in the state as governor,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke, voted at St. Stephens Nursery and Primary School, Polling Unit 006, Ward E3, Okepopo, Lagos Island East LCDA, at exactly 11:10 a.m.

Speaking to journalists after he cast his vote, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for the efficient organisation of the polls.

He said: “As you can see, everything is okay here. Voting is ongoing, the officers are on the ground, and I have just performed my civic responsibility.

“The atmosphere is peaceful, party agents are present, and within three to four minutes, everything is concluded.

“We are glad that we have peaceful weather. We want to commend the effort of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

“There was no shortage of materials. The issue was just about getting people to their polling units. But as of now, the reports indicate that most areas have commenced voting.”

Speaking on the importance of local government in the country’s democratic framework, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for grassroots administration to function independently in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The Governor also commended the performance of chairmen and councillors across the 57 councils, saying they have aligned with the state’s THEMES+ development agenda and are contributing to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope vision.

He said: “Local government is an important arm of government, and their independence is key.

“Here in Lagos, many of them are executing impactful projects and competing among themselves in terms of development.

“Our councils have keyed into the THEMES Plus agenda and are running with it, even at the LCDA level.

“This shows their commitment to service delivery and grassroots development.”