By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

A civic society group, Enough is Enough (EIE Nigeria), has yet again questioned the legality of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) in the July by-election in Lagos. LASIEC, which is set to oversee elections in the 57 local government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA), tomorrow, 12th July, 2025, has been criticised for defying the Federal Electoral Act (2022) and for insufficient publicity. News Express Nigeria reported that LASIEC was bound by the 2022 Electoral Act to conduct the council election ?not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of sitting officials.?

In a press release dated July 10, 2025, the civil society group says it has been actively engaged in LASIEC processes on the upcoming election. EIE argues that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) was not ready for the election as it failed in carrying out its responsibilities at appropriate times, as entrenched in the constitution. Their words:

?We formally engaged LASIEC by sending letters requesting the release of election timetables, notice of elections, and election guidelines. With our partner, Yiaga Africa, we have also publicly questioned the legality of the July 12th election date, particularly how it appears to contravene Sections 150 and 103 of the 2022 Electoral Act.

?Our detailed position on the contravention of the Electoral Act 2022 is publicly available on our website, where we have also scanned and uploaded the LASIEC laws given to us, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and adherence to legal frameworks.?

The transparency group has expressed concerns over the legality of LASIEC?s procedures, and its lack of transparency and collaboration with necessary stakeholders. EIE argues that ?mismanagement or haphazard conduct amplifies public distrust and puts the practice of our democracy at risk.?

EIE?s concerns are as follows:

?Our observaion of developments, including the July 8th ChannelsTV interview with the LASIEC Chairman, Hon. Justice Omobolanle Abidemi Okikiolu-Ighile, raises significant concerns about the Commission?s readiness and commitment to transparent and lawful elections.

?Insufficient Election Publicity: We strongly believe that LASIEC has failed to adequately publicise the election. Despite the Chairman?s claims of extensive voters? education in places like UNILAG, senatorial districts, and on BRTs, maruwas, and buses, our independent observations and direct interactions with Lagosians reveal a stark disconnect. Callers on our radio programs remain clueless about the elections, often commending us for performing the Commission?s responsibility of voter education. The lack of widespread awareness among the populace undermines the very essence of a democratic process.

Violation of the Electoral Act 2022: We remain deeply concerned that the fixed election date violates the Act. Furthermore, we question the assertion that this is an ?interpretation? challenge. We also question the implication that state law supersedes federal law concerning the conduct of elections. It is puzzling how LASIEC claims autonomy when fundamental electoral procedures are clearly defined at the federal level and why the Lagos State government at both the executive and legislative arms have remained silent on this issue.

Lack of Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement: LASIEC?s commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election is questionable given widespread concerns over transparency and due process. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), comprising all 19 registered political parties in Lagos, condemned LASIEC?s unilateral release of guidelines without consulting political stakeholders, which violates established democratic norms. This lack of consultation extends to civil society organisations who have also noted a concerning secrecy surrounding the process and an unwillingness to communicate and engage. As of today, the accredited observers are unknown. Moreover, recent protests by candidates alleging disenfranchisement due to unsupported nomination demands (specifically, PVCs of nominators, which they claim is not supported by the Electoral Act 2022 and LASIEC?s law 2025 as amended) further highlight the commission?s questionable practices. More puzzling is the Chairman?s inability to confidently explain theprocess from voter accreditation to result collation and transmission, and her vague responses regarding the use of technology, further deepening our concerns about the Commission?s preparedness.

Late Release and Inaccessibility of Validated Candidate List: LASIEC?s release of the final list of validated candidates for the July 12th elections on July 8th?just four days before the polls?is wholly insufficient. This severely limits the time available for citizens and political parties to prepare. It is also unacceptable that in 2025, for a progressive state like Lagos, this crucial and delayed information is not readily available on the Commission?s website or social media handles. This failure to make information accessible mandates supporters and candidates from over 10 political parties across 20 LGAs to physically visit the LASIEC office at 1 Lancaster Street, Sabo Yaba, to get information. This is archaic and screams disregard for the people and the process.

Disenfranchising Lagosians from Voting for their Local Government Chairman: It would seem that Lagosians resident in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA would have the opportunity to vote for a Chairman in that area but will not be able to vote for the Chairman of the Eti-Osa Local Government, which is the local government recognised by the federal government and will also receive funds. While we don?t dispute LASG?s powers to create LCDAs as administrative units, as affirmed by the Supreme Court, we believe it is illegal for LASG and, by extension, LASIEC to prevent some Lagosians from voting for federally recognised local government chairmen. Unless LASIEC is planning to give residents of LCDAs two ballot papers?one for the LCDA Chairman and another for the LG Chairman for the covered area.

The transparency group is Imploring the Lagos residents to exercise their civic responsibility by electing their preferred candidate in the election.

?We urge all Lagosians to show up, regardless of the obstacles thrown our way?perceived and, in this case, real! We must continue to expose the ineptitude and failings of our institutions, not by disengaging, but by actively participating. This is how democracy functions. Do not give those who wish to undermine this process the satisfaction of your apathy.?

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