By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

Upon the announcement of the upcoming 2025 local government elections in Lagos State by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), a pro-democracy group, Enough is Enough (EIE Nigeria), has raised concerns about the activities of the electoral commission, citing legal, procedural, and transparency issues. In a bid to fulfil the constitutional requirement for a four-year periodic election for legislative and executive seats, LASIEC, on April 12, issued a Notice of Election poll scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025. However, EIE Nigeria, through a press statement released on May 15, 2025, and signed by its Senior Media Associate, Tosin Adeyemi, is seeking clarification on the legality and transparency of the commission's process. The statement partly reads:

?We express 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 in the process by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).?

However, acknowledging the legality of its 92-day interval notice in respect of Section 2(1) of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission Law (LASIEC) 2008, the pro-democracy group faults LASIEC for violating Section 103(3) of the Electoral Act (2022). Obligated by Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022, EIE Nigeria maintains that LASIEC was bound to conduct the council election ?not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of sitting officials.?

?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, thereby putting LASIEC in direct violation of the Electoral Act 2022,? EIE stated.

The civil society organisation is also praying that LASIEC ensures transparency in the process by keeping the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) informed of its steps. The latter had previously complained about the anonymity in the process of the Rt. Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile-led LASIEC Board.

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