‘Lack of transparency’ — EiE questions LASIEC’s readiness for Lagos LGA election

Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a civil society organisation, has expressed serious doubts about the readiness of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct LGA elections on Saturday.

In a statement released on Thursday, the civil society group, which has been actively engaged in promoting voter participation and credible elections for over 15 years, raised concerns about transparency, legality, and voter education.

EiE’s concerns come amid ongoing controversies surrounding the election timetable, voter education, and the release of candidate lists.

The group criticised LASIEC for inadequate election publicity, noting that despite claims by Omobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, LASIEC chairman, of extensive voter education efforts, many Lagos residents remain unaware of the election details.

“Callers on our radio programmes remain clueless about the elections, often commending us for performing the commission’s responsibility of voter education,” EiE said.

EiE also challenged the legality of the July 12 election date, citing apparent violations of sections 150 and 103 of the 2022 electoral Act.

The organisation, alongside partner Yiaga Africa, questioned LASIEC’s assertion that the scheduling issue is merely an “interpretation” challenge and criticised the Lagos state government’s “silence” on the matter.

“The accredited observers are unknown, and protests by candidates over unsupported nomination demands continue to raise red flags,” EiE added.

EiE raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement in Lagos, particularly residents of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, who may vote for their LCDA chairman but not for the federally recognised Eti-Osa LGA chairman.

The group warned that this practice undermines democratic representation and called for clarity on whether residents will receive two ballot papers.

EiE declared a lack of confidence in LASIEC’s ability to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.

The group urged Lagosians to participate actively despite the challenges, stressing that “this is how democracy functions” and warning against apathy.

“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,” the group said.

“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.”