LASIEC Warns: Ballot Snatching in Lagos LG Poll Triggers By-Election
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has declared that any ballot snatching during the Lagos LG poll on July 12, 2025, will prompt a by-election in the affected area.
At a press briefing on July 10, 2025, at Tripple C Event Centre, Sabo Yaba, Lagos, LASIEC Chairman Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.) emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent Lagos LG poll across the state’s 57 local councils. “There will be by-elections if a ballot box is snatched anywhere,” she said. “While we don’t pray for such to happen, there would be a need to conduct a by-election in any local council where such happened.”
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions, Okikiolu-Ighile assured residents that there are no threats to postpone the LASIEC election 2025, reinforcing the commission’s readiness to deliver a credible process.
The Lagos LG poll will elect chairmen and councillors across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs), 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and 376 wards, with measures in place to prevent ballot snatching by-elections.
To ensure security during the LASIEC election 2025, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed personnel at strategic locations and implemented movement restrictions for July 12, 2025. Initially set from 3:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the restrictions were revised to 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM to accommodate residents with medical emergencies or international travel plans, as announced by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin. “Members of the public are enjoined to cooperate and respect the new timing,” Hundeyin said.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s dedication to a secure and orderly electoral process, with robust measures to prevent incidents like ballot snatching that could necessitate a by-election.
