Vote counting has officially commenced at Polling Unit 024 in Ward B, Makoko area of Yaba, Lagos, signaling the close of the 2025 local government elections across the state.
However, the exercise has been largely overshadowed by a widespread low voter turnout, sparking concerns about the overall impact and inclusiveness of the election.
“The lack of voter enthusiasm could impact the credibility and inclusiveness of the exercise,” one election observer remarked, echoing the sentiments of many monitoring the democratic process.
At Polling Unit 002, also in Ward B, officials were still waiting for voters to arrive even as counting had already begun in other areas. Despite a peaceful atmosphere reported across most polling units, turnout remained noticeably low across several parts of Yaba.
In Ward F, Unit 012, located along Iwaya Road, voting was still ongoing as of press time, though officials noted the turnout was significantly lower than expected. Similar scenes played out in other parts of Iwaya, where officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) observed a slow and steady trickle of voters throughout the day.
In contrast, Ward G at St. Timothy College saw a more active turnout, with polling units 001 through 005 conducting voting in a calm and orderly manner—offering a rare glimpse of voter engagement amidst broader apathy.
While election observers commended the largely peaceful conduct of the polls, they reiterated their concerns that the evident lack of voter participation could undermine the credibility and democratic strength of the local government elections.
LASIEC officials continued urging eligible voters to cast their ballots before polls officially closed at 3 p.m.
