Ballot

Snatching

Will Trigger By-Elections, LASIEC Warns Ahead of Lagos Council Polls

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has issued a firm warning that any incident of ballot box snatching in the July 12 local government elections drawing will not only be condemned but will automatically trigger a by-election in the affected polling units. This decisive stance is aimed at deterring electoral malpractice and upholding the integrity of the democratic process in the state.

Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), the Chairman of LASIEC, made this declaration during a press briefing on Thursday, affirming the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible, peaceful, and transparent election across all 57 local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs) in Lagos.

She stated, “There will be by-elections if a ballot box is snatched anywhere. While we don’t pray for such to happen, we are prepared to act accordingly.” Her remarks underscored LASIEC’s commitment to electoral fairness and its preparedness to take immediate corrective action in the face of disruptions.

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Ballot Box: A Symbol of Democratic Integrity

In recent years, ballot box snatching has remained a troubling feature of Nigerian elections, often leading to voter disenfranchisement and questions about election credibility. By announcing an automatic by-election policy, LASIEC aims to neutralize the potential benefit for those attempting to manipulate results through violence or theft. It sends a clear message that any attack on the voting process will be nullified and readdressed through legal and democratic means.

Justice Okikiolu-Ighile assured voters, observers, and stakeholders that there are no threats of postponement. “We are fully prepared,” she said confidently, emphasizing the commission’s logistical and administrative readiness.

The upcoming elections are crucial for grassroots governance, and the assurance from LASIEC serves as a boost to public confidence. The commission has also assured that sensitive materials are being distributed securely and that polling officials have undergone thorough training.

In support of LASIEC’s mission, the Lagos State Police Command has revised the vehicular movement restrictions initially scheduled for election day. The decision follows public feedback concerning the potential inconvenience the original restriction could pose, especially for individuals with critical health needs or international travel plans.

SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos Police, confirmed that the new movement restriction will now take effect from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, instead of the previously announced 3:00 a.m. start. “This adjustment reflects our sensitivity to residents’ needs,” Hundeyin said, calling on the public to respect and adhere to the revised timing.

The Police Commissioner, CP Olohundare Jimoh, also confirmed that officers have been strategically deployed across Lagos to safeguard the electoral process. The deployment spans polling units, collation centers, INEC offices, and other sensitive locations, ensuring the safety of both voters and electoral staff.

“We are taking proactive security measures to prevent any form of disruption before, during, and after the polls,” Jimoh noted, adding that intelligence teams are already monitoring hotspots for any suspicious activity.

In addition to security reinforcement, the Lagos police have launched a voter-awareness campaign to educate citizens on their rights and the importance of peaceful participation. Voters are encouraged to report any unusual activities or attempts at vote manipulation.

Civil society organizations have welcomed LASIEC’s strong stance and the police’s revised mobility plan. Many argue that such proactive measures can significantly improve voter turnout and reduce electoral violence, both of which are crucial for strengthening democracy at the local level.

Political analysts believe the upcoming council elections will serve as a litmus test for future state-level and national elections in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to push for more transparent electoral processes. With over five million registered voters expected to participate, the elections are not only about selecting local leaders but also about reinforcing trust in democratic institutions.

As Lagosians prepare to head to the polls, all eyes will be on how efficiently LASIEC and security agencies manage the process. With clear protocols in place and strong institutional backing, Lagos State appears poised for a credible and orderly local government election.