In a dominant display of political control, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured all 57 chairmanship positions and 375 out of 376 councillorship seats in the recently concluded Lagos State local government elections held on July 12, 2025. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) confirmed the results on Sunday, declaring the APC the clear victor in all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to clinch only one councillorship position, further cementing APC’s stronghold across the state.
Voter turnout was significantly lower than anticipated, with many polling units across Lagos recording fewer than half their registered voters. Still, LASIEC and security agencies commended the peaceful conduct of the elections.
APC’s overwhelming win was anticipated by political observers, as the party had previously expressed full confidence in sweeping the polls—a prediction that now stands confirmed.
Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu praised the exercise, thanking Lagosians for maintaining peace and encouraging broader civic participation in future elections.
Meanwhile, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo described the win as a reaffirmation of the party’s deep-rooted grassroots structure and a strategic boost heading toward the 2027 general elections.
LASIEC released names of the elected chairpersons, confirming an across-the-board win for APC:
Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA: Hon. Olamilekan Olu Akindipe
Alimosho LGA: Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson
Kosofe LGA: Barr. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe
Mushin LGA: Hon. Haruna Olatunbosun Aruwe
Oshodi-Isolo LGA: Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede
Ojo LGA: Hon. Princess Muhibat Titilola Rufai
Ikorodu LGA: Prince Adedayo Abdullateef Ladega
Surulere LGA: Sulaimon Yusuf Bamidele
Agege LGA: Tunde Azeez
Lagos Island LGA: Hon. Taiwo Oyekan
Ifako-Ijaiye LGA: Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat
Somolu LGA: Hon. Lateef Ashimi
Amuwo-Odofin LGA: Prince Lanre Sanusi (PLS)
Lagos Mainland LGA: Alhaji Emilagba Jubril
Yaba LCDA: Hon. John Campos Ogundare
Eti-Osa East LCDA: Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren
Apapa Iganmu LCDA: Hon. Wale Jimoh
Epe LGA: Hon. Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun
Lekki LCDA: Hon. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali
Oto-Awori LCDA: Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun
Ibeju-Lekki LGA: Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa (59,342 votes)
Opposition parties, including PDP, Labour Party, and SDP, rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities. They cited late delivery of materials, alleged ballot manipulation, missing names in the voter register, and intimidation of polling agents in some areas. Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele described the elections as “a charade” and called for a cancellation.
The Labour Party went further, accusing LASIEC of enabling premeditated victory for APC, noting that some of its strongholds were allegedly deprived of voting materials altogether.
These allegations have not been independently verified, but they are expected to result in post-election legal challenges.
Despite criticism, security agencies praised the general atmosphere, confirming that no major incidents or violence were reported during the polls.
Local observers noted that the elections followed a familiar trend in Nigeria’s democracy, where ruling parties at the state level often dominate local elections—a pattern that continues to raise concerns about electoral competitiveness.
Analysts warn that such sweeping victories, while legal, may erode public confidence in democratic institutions if opposition voices are entirely excluded.
Others argue it reflects a political landscape where grassroots mobilization and internal party networks play a defining role.
The lone PDP councillorship win stands as a symbolic challenge in an otherwise one-sided outcome and offers a reminder of the political diversity Lagos once hosted.
Nonetheless, APC’s total control over local governance gives it a commanding advantage in shaping grassroots development and preparing for future electoral cycles.
