By Olayinka Ajayi

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has announced plans to conduct bye-elections for affected local government areas in Lagos State, pledging to improve past performances and address voter apathy.

Speaking at the LASIEC 2025 Electoral Retreat, Supervising Electoral Commissioner for Training, Adekanye Oladele, said, “I would have loved to mention that a date has been fixed, but such information should come from the chairman. All I can say is that the bye-elections will take place soon.”

On efforts to curb voter apathy, Oladele noted that turnout had improved from 11 per cent in 2021 to 24 per cent in 2025. “We don’t want a repeat of such laxity. This retreat will help us improve on subsequent elections,” he said.

LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), commended the commission’s staff for their dedication to conducting credible elections. She emphasized the importance of transparent and inclusive local government elections, stating, “Democracy at the grassroots remains the foundation of good governance. When local government elections are credible, inclusive, and transparent, the dividends of democracy reach the people more effectively, and governance becomes more responsive.”