As Lagosians prepare for the Local Government elections on Saturday, July 12, 2025, it is noteworthy to stress that the upcoming election is more than just another political exercise.
It offers another unique opportunity for all stakeholders in the State to contribute their quota to deepen democracy in the grassroots.
Being the closest tier of government to the people, Local Governments, no doubt, play crucial roles in the democratic process and governance in general. It is at that level that the decisions that have a far-reaching impact on the people are taken.
Ironically, elections at that tier of government are often overlooked as the electorate seems to think they do not really count. The upcoming Local Government elections in Lagos offer another huge chance for the electorate to change this narrative. As it is often said, and rightly so, every election is local.
The outcome of the elections, which will cover 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship positions, will determine the quality of public service and development at the grassroots. It is, thus, important that all stakeholders actively participate in the process.
Getting involved in the upcoming Local Government polls is more than a democratic exercise. It is about the future of primary health care, elementary education, rural development and human capital development at the grassroots.
Therefore, by casting your ballot, you are not just selecting a candidate; you are investing them with the power to determine the level of development at the grassroots.
More importantly, your vote serves as a powerful tool for accountability. Elected officials are far more likely to be responsive to the needs of a populace that actively participates in their emergence. If they know their tenure depends on your continued support, garnered through visible improvements and transparent governance, they are more likely to deliver.
Without your active participation, there’s a risk of apathy setting in, allowing leaders to operate without genuine accountability to the people they serve.
Furthermore, a robust local government system acts as a powerful catalyst for overall progress in Lagos. Given its proximity to residents, local government is uniquely positioned to identify and tackle grassroots challenges with precision.
They can tailor solutions to specific community needs, fostering a sense of local ownership and driving development from the ground up. Effective local councils can also significantly enhance coordination with state and federal governments, ensuring that broader development initiatives reach the grassroots and are implemented efficiently.
Your vote is more than just a right; it is a profound responsibility and an indispensable tool for shaping the future of your immediate environment. It empowers you to demand accountability from your leaders, ensures that your specific community needs are addressed, and fuels the engine of grassroots development.
This is not the time to ‘sit down and look’. You cannot afford to sit on the fence. Your voice must be heard loud and clear through your vote.
On July 12, go to your polling unit with your Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC), vote for the candidates of your choice, and contribute to the democratic process.
Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed and actively involved. Your Vote is your voice, and not exercising your civic right means your silence. We must all return to our respective communities and perform our civic obligations on July 12.
You must vote wisely and choose leaders who will drive progress, development, bring meaningful transformation to the community, and deliver dividends of good democratic governance.
An informed electorate is key to the success of any democratic society, as it helps citizens make responsible choices, reduces misinformation, and increases accountability in governance.
It is important to stress that in accordance with Section 41(1) of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2008 (as amended), the Local Government elections will offer the electorate the opportunity to elect Chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), as well as Councillors for the 376 Electoral Wards of Lagos State,
The election, which is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 12th July 2025, shall commence at 8:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m. The electorate is expected to vote at the polling unit where he/she has registered.
It must be stressed that only persons whose names appear on the Voters Register are eligible to vote in the election.
A thriving democracy depends on the active participation of all its people, and this includes every segment of society. As Lagos prepares for the LG polls on July 12, it is crucial to remember that democratic engagement begins at the ward level, and every qualified citizen must come alive to perform their civic duty with a sense of responsibility and purpose.
Every pothole that is fixed, every school that is renovated, every market that is improved, every health centre that is upgraded begins with your vote. Conversely, every abandoned project, every delayed salary, and every misused budget will trace back to silence at the polls.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. The distance between frustration and reform is often just the walk to your polling unit. You can either choose to change or accept whatever comes in your absence.
Therefore, mark Saturday, 12 July, not in pencil, but in ink. Mobilise your neighbours, remind your family. Let civic duty become a celebration of community. Let your vote speak on your street, in your local council, and across the Centre of Excellence.
To the youth, you are Lagos’ largest demographic, yet often the least visible at local polls. Let your vote prove that civic tech is more than hashtags; it is a tool for real change. To women, local decisions shape your daily lives, from healthcare to market safety and school security.
These elections are your chance to influence them. Take your seat at the table. To persons with disabilities, voting is now more accessible than ever. With BVAS, priority queues, and support services, your participation is guaranteed. Make your voice count.
Also, to community leaders and civil society groups, your reach is vital. Mobilise, educate, monitor. Your leadership keeps the process transparent and inclusive. To religious and traditional institutions, your influence runs deep. Use it to preach peace, civic duty, and unity. Encourage your followers to vote not out of fear, but from a shared commitment to a better Lagos.
To all eligible voters in Lagos, this is the time to stand up and be counted!
· Ogunbiyi is Director, Features, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja