LAGOS LG POLLS: ELECTORAL OFFICIALS AWAIT DEPLOYMENT AT IKOSI-ISHERI LCDA (PHOTOS)

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By: Sefiu Ajape

As of 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, several security personnel and electoral officials remained stranded at the Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area secretariat in Lagos, awaiting deployment for the ongoing local government elections.

A visit to the location by our correspondent revealed growing frustration among the officials, some of whom had spent the night at the secretariat due to delays in logistical coordination.

“I slept out here on Friday night and till now, they are yet to allocate us. It’s frustrating,” one official, who asked not to be identified, said.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission is overseeing elections across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs), with voters expected to elect chairpersons and councillors to lead grassroots governance efforts.

The ongoing local government polls are widely regarded as a vital step toward strengthening grassroots governance and promoting political accountability in Lagos State.

However, delays in deployment and logistical challenges have sparked concerns over the electoral commission’s preparedness and the smooth execution of the exercise in several areas.

At the Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, frustration was evident among security personnel and electoral officials, many of whom complained about the absence of coordination, basic amenities, and timely communication from supervising authorities.

Some officials claimed they had gone without food or allowances since their arrival.

As of press time, electoral materials were still being sorted inside the council secretariat, and several polling units remained unmanned.

Voter turnout in the area also appeared low during the early hours, with many residents either unaware of their polling unit locations or dissuaded by the slow start.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has yet to issue an official statement addressing the delays at Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.