The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has successfully conducted Councillorship Bye-Elections in three wards across Lagos State, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring effective grassroots representation.
The by-elections were held in Ward C, Orimedu I, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area; Ward F, Bajulaiye/Fola Agoro, Shomolu Local Government; and Ward H, Kayode/Fadeyi, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, reports Channels TV.
Vacancies necessitated the elections following the unfortunate demise of the elected Councillors representing the respective Wards, which must be filled in line with democratic principles and the LASIEC laws.
Section 13(3) of the LASIEC law 2008 (as amended) provides the following: “The dates for holding subsequent general elections or by-elections to a Local Government in the State shall be appointed by the Commission”, while Section 13(4) states that “the Commission shall appoint a date for holding an election to fill a vacancy in any Local Government”.
In the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Orimedu I Ward C, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Rufai Abosede won the councillorship by-election with 8,386 votes, while the National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Sanisi Adeleke scored 27 votes.
In Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of Fadeyi Ward H, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Onwenu Abidemi, scored 260 votes; Omobolanle Shotayo, the NDP candidate, got 28 votes, while Shotayo Adebisi got the highest score with 3,820 votes.
Meanwhile, in the Shomolu Local Government Area, Bajulaiye/Fola Agoro ward, the ADC candidate Anyamebech Theophilus pulled 157 votes, Abalokwu Joseph, the candidate of NDP, scored 23 votes; and Kehinde Jolaosho scored 157 votes.
The APC candidate won the councillorship by-election in Shomolu with 2,564 votes.
The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd), while monitoring the process along with other members of the Commission and the Permanent Secretary, Abdul Rafiu Fashola, commended the peaceful conduct of voters, political parties, security agencies, election officials, and other stakeholders whose cooperation contributed to the success of the elections.
Electoral materials arrived promptly at polling units, accredited voters exercised their franchise peacefully, and the process was conducted in a secure, transparent, free, fair, and credible manner.
LASIEC expressed appreciation to the residents of the affected wards for their orderly participation and commitment to the democratic process.
The Commission also acknowledged the professionalism displayed by security personnel and the dedication of staff deployed for the exercise.
The Commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to conducting credible elections and promoting democratic values at the grassroots level across Lagos State.
LASIEC further assured residents and stakeholders that it would continue to improve electoral processes through innovation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
The successful conclusion of these by-elections underscores the Commission’s determination to ensure that all communities in Lagos State enjoy adequate representation and participation in local governance.
