APC Sweeps Lagos Councillorship By-Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured victory in all three councillorship by-elections conducted by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), reaffirming its dominance at the grassroots level in the state.

Seats Contested Across Three Wards

The by-elections were held in Ward C, Orimedu I, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area; Ward F, Bajulaiye/Fola Agoro, Shomolu Local Government Area; and Ward H, Kayode/Fadeyi, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area. The exercise was organised to fill vacancies created by the deaths of elected councillors representing the affected wards.

APC Candidates Record Clear Victories

In Ibeju-Lekki’s Orimedu I Ward C, APC candidate Rufai Kafayat Abosede won convincingly with 8,386 votes, defeating Samsideen Adeleke of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who managed 27 votes.

At Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Kayode/Fadeyi Ward H, APC’s Shotayo Samiat Adebigi polled 3,820 votes to beat Ifeanyi Abidemi Onwenu of the ADC, who scored 260 votes. The National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate received 26 votes.

In Shomolu’s Bajulaiye/Fola Agoro Ward F, APC’s Kehinde Halimat Jolaosho emerged winner with 2,546 votes. Her closest challenger, Ifeanyibech Anyamebech of the ADC, polled 157 votes, while the NDP candidate secured 23 votes.

LASIEC Commends Peaceful Conduct

LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), monitored the exercise alongside commissioners and the Permanent Secretary, AbdulRafiu Omowole Fashola. The commission commended voters, political parties, security agencies, and election officials for ensuring a peaceful process.

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According to LASIEC, electoral materials arrived promptly at polling units, accredited voters cast their ballots without disruption, and the exercise was conducted in a secured and transparent manner.

Grassroots Democracy in Focus

The commission emphasised that the elections were necessary to uphold democratic principles by filling vacant seats in line with LASIEC laws. It assured residents of Lagos that it remains committed to credible elections and will continue to improve processes through innovation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.

Broader Implications

The APC’s clean sweep in the three wards highlights its entrenched influence in Lagos politics, particularly at the grassroots level. Analysts note that such victories strengthen the party’s organisational structure ahead of future contests, including the 2027 general elections.

For opposition parties, the results underline the challenge of breaking APC’s dominance in Lagos. The low vote counts recorded by ADC and NDP candidates reflect limited reach and mobilisation capacity within the contested wards.

Voter Participation and Trust

While turnout figures varied across wards, the peaceful conduct of the polls has been welcomed as a positive sign for grassroots democracy. LASIEC’s emphasis on transparency and fairness is expected to bolster public confidence in local electoral processes.

The APC’s victory in the Lagos councillorship by-elections consolidates its control of local governance structures in the state. With LASIEC pledging continued reforms and inclusivity, the exercise serves as a reminder of the importance of grassroots elections in shaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape.