Lagos: The Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), retired Justice Bola Okikiola-Ighile, has expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout in the councillorship by-elections across various wards in Lagos State. Okikiola-Ighile made these remarks while speaking to journalists after monitoring the elections in Ward F of Somolu Local Government Area and Ward H of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mushin.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the LASIEC chairman reported that the elections, including those in Ibeju-Lekki, were conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner. She refuted claims of low voter turnout, emphasizing that reports from election officials indicated significant participation. Observations from polling officers showed that many voters arrived early, with some casting their votes before heading to work, and others participating throughout the day until the polls closed at 2:00 p.m.
Okikiola-Ighile noted that the high level of participation was evident from the filled ballot boxes. She explained that the turnout should not be compared to general elections due to the limited scope of the by-elections, which were confined to specific wards. The chairman also pointed out that the increase in the number of polling units contributed to the absence of long queues, with areas like Odi-Olowo having 50 polling units, Somolu 26, and Ibeju-Lekki 21.
As for the next steps in the electoral process, Okikiola-Ighile stated that the collation of results would begin immediately after voting concluded, with party agents present to ensure transparency. She expressed optimism that the results, reflecting the voters’ choices, would be announced promptly.
The LASIEC chairman described the electoral process as peaceful and inclusive, attributing the absence of violence to the commitment of political parties and voters. She also highlighted the adequate representation of all participating parties at polling units through their agents and commended voters, political parties, security agencies, and journalists for their support in conducting the elections.