Lagos LG Election Peaceful, Says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the just-concluded local government elections in Lagos State as peaceful and largely free of electoral malpractice. The commission made this known on Saturday, following a monitoring exercise across various polling units in the state. According to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, officials of the anti-graft agency were deployed to observe the election and did not record any incidents of vote-buying, violence, or ballot snatching throughout the process. Ghali stated that the exercise was generally orderly and commended the conduct of voters, electoral officials, and security personnel. “The election was peaceful. We didn’t record any case of vote-buying or violence. The process was largely calm and transparent,” Ghali said, noting that the EFCC teams remained at polling units until voting and counting were concluded to ensure integrity. The EFCC’s positive assessment aligns with earlier assurances by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who had urged Lagosians to participate peacefully in the polls. The governor emphasized that security had been adequately provided and encouraged citizens, especially young people, to exercise their civic duty responsibly. In support of the smooth conduct of the election, the Lagos State Police Command adjusted its usual movement restrictions for election days. The restriction was modified to run from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for easier access for electoral officials and essential workers. However, despite the peaceful nature of the polls, some political stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction. Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, alleged irregularities including missing names on the voters’ register and relocation of polling units without notice. She described the process as flawed and called for the cancellation of the entire election. While the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has not responded to these allegations, collation of results is ongoing, and the public awaits the official announcement. Despite the claims of irregularities, the EFCC insists that the election was conducted in a manner that upheld democratic standards.