Amid ongoing protest against the 2025 local government election by the electorates, the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd), has declared that the demonstration cannot halt the electoral process leading to the poll scheduled for July 12, 2025.
Okikiolu-Ighile said that except a court order mandating that the electoral process stop, the commission isn’t ready to halt the ongoing exercise across the state.
She noted that protests are means of expressing ones acceptance or displeasure over an issue but that such demonstration cannot stop the poll considering that the exercise is backed by law that established LASIEC.
According to her, even if there’s protest, only the court can stop the LASIEC election. We are extremely prepared as humanly possible.”
While affirming the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election despite ongoing protests by residents, the LASIEC boss noted that all process to achieve this have been concluded with the deployment of electronic voting machines to the over 13,000 polling units across the Lagos.
She added that 52,000 military personnel would be deployed for the exercise with four attached to each of the polling unit to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Okikiolu-Ighile disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing held in Yaba to intimate Lagosians on their preparedness and to assure the electorates of free and fair elections in the state.
While assuring the people of adequate security, she further urged voters to turn out and exercise their franchise in the state.
“To the electorate, your vote is your voice. Do not sell your vote. Go out to vote. Don’t sell or trade your votes.
“This election is very important because it touches the grassroots and your children’s future.
“LASIEC is determined to conduct a free, fair, and credible election, despite any challenges that may arise,” she said.
