Youth Party candidate for the Eti Osa Local Government Chairmanship, Ayodele Adio, has expressed serious concerns over the recently released polling guide by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LAISEC), describing it as inadequate and ill-timed.

In a statement issued on Monday, Adio said the release of the guide, just weeks before the scheduled election, limits parties’ ability to prepare effectively and undermines confidence in the electoral process.

“A polling guide is not an afterthought. It is a fundamental part of election guidelines and should ideally be made available before the announcement of election dates,” Adio noted. “The timing raises questions about adequate preparation and fairness.”

He pointed out that political parties are now faced with a tight deadline to submit the names of their polling agents, a process complicated by unexpected changes in the number and distribution of polling units.

According to Adio, several wards have seen an increase in polling units without sufficient prior communication, creating logistical challenges for parties trying to coordinate effectively.

He also raised concerns over the clarity of the polling unit locations listed in the guide, citing vague descriptions such as “Itedo land” and “Ikate land,” some of which appear multiple times without precise addresses or reference landmarks.

“This lack of clarity could create confusion on election day and potentially discourage voter participation,” he said.

Adio highlighted that, in accordance with the Electoral Act, polling units should be located in accessible public places. He cautioned that placing them in obscure or undefined locations may inadvertently disenfranchise voters.

He further called for better transparency, adherence to due process, and stakeholder engagement in the lead-up to the elections.

“These issues must be addressed to ensure a credible, inclusive, and peaceful local government election,” he concluded.