LASIEC Assures of Bye-Elections in Areas Where Ballot Boxes Are Snatched as Police Enforce Movement Restrictions for Lagos LG Polls
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has declared that bye-elections will be conducted in any area where ballot boxes are snatched during the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The commission’s chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), made this known on Thursday during a press briefing held at Tripple C Event Centre, Sabo Yaba, Lagos.
Speaking to journalists, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile emphasized the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on electoral malpractice, stating that the integrity of the electoral process must be preserved.
“There will be bye-elections if a ballot box is snatched anywhere,” she said. “While we don’t pray for such to happen, any such incident will warrant an immediate and decisive response through a rerun in the affected local council.”
She reassured Lagosians of LASIEC’s readiness to conduct a credible poll, noting that all necessary logistics and personnel were in place to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.
The LASIEC boss also dismissed concerns about the timing of the elections relative to the expiration of the current council administration’s tenure, stating that the commission was operating within legal boundaries.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has announced a 12-hour restriction of vehicular movement across the state on election day. In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police disclosed that the restriction will be in effect from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The restriction applies to all forms of vehicular movement on roads and waterways, with the exception of essential services and accredited election observers.
The police further revealed that officers had been deployed to strategic locations across the state to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
According to CSP Hundeyin, the enforcement of the restriction is aimed at facilitating a peaceful voting process and preventing any form of disruption. He warned that violators of the movement order would be arrested and prosecuted, adding that security agencies had been directed to remain professional while ensuring strict compliance.
The inter-agency security committee has also assured the public that adequate arrangements have been made to secure all polling units, collation centers, and other key election infrastructure. Lagos residents are urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and participate peacefully in the democratic process.
