Lagos LG Elections: CSO demands clarification on legal standing of LCDAs
…calls for immediate publication of revised LASIEC Law
A civil society group, Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE) has called for the immediate publication of the revised LASIEC Law and demanded clarification on the legal standing of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The group raised alarm over legal and procedural concerns surrounding the July 12 election.
In a Thursday statement, EiE expressed “deep concern over the unfolding issues surrounding the forthcoming 2025 Local Government elections in Lagos State, particularly regarding the legal basis of the election timetable and the lack of transparency.”
While commending Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for complying with the 90-day notice provision, EiE’s Senior Media Associate, Tosin Adeyemi, warned that the commission may be in violation of federal law.
“The 92-day interval between the notice and the election date appears to satisfy LASIEC’s internal legal framework,” the statement read.
However, it noted, “Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates that State Independent Electoral Commissions, including LASIEC, must adhere to the same procedures as those governing elections into Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory.” According to Section 103(3) of the Act, such elections must occur between 150 and 30 days before the expiration of current officeholders’ tenures.
“With the current tenure of Local Government Chairmen and Councillors in Lagos State due to end on July 27, 2025, the lawful election window, per the Electoral Act, is between February 25 and June 25, 2025. The announced date of July 12 falls outside this legal window,” EiE stated.
The group also criticised LASIEC’s unilateral release of election guidelines, noting that the Inter-Party Advisory Council had condemned the commission’s failure to consult political stakeholders.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who appointed members of the Commission, should ensure they are abiding by their sworn mandate,” the statement added.
