Lagos State Local Government elections on Saturday were marred by delays in the arrival of electoral materials and officers at many polling units.
Despite the scheduled start time of 8:00 a.m., voting did not commence on time in most areas.
At some polling units, electoral officers and materials arrived after 8:30 a.m., while some voters left after observing no signs of commencement.
A Presiding Officer at Agege, Mrs. Abiola Choice, attributed the delay to late distribution of election materials and lack of transportation to polling units.
Heavy Downpour Causes Delays (Heavy rain in Epe, Eredo, and Ikosi-Ejirin delayed the arrival of electoral officers and materials, and discouraged many voters from coming out early.)
A 90-year-old voter, Mr. Cornelius Stephen, expressed disappointment at the late arrival of electoral officers, saying, “You can see that it is already 8:00 a.m., yet only security personnel are present here at Agege Primary School, Ward 3.”
Another voter, Mr. Akindare Adetifa, also expressed frustration at the delay.
The delays highlight the need for improved planning and logistics to ensure smooth and timely elections. As one voter noted, “We are still hopeful… Many are indoors watching as events unfold on television and radio.”
Despite the delays, voting eventually began at many polling units, with some areas starting as late as 9:00 a.m.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) will likely face scrutiny over the logistical challenges that affected the smooth conduct of the elections.
