Vote counting has commenced at Polling Unit 024 in Ward B, Makoko area of Yaba, Lagos, marking the final stages of the 2025 local government elections across the state.
However, the exercise has been overshadowed by widespread low voter turnout, sparking concerns about its overall impact and credibility.
“The lack of voter enthusiasm could affect the credibility and inclusiveness of the exercise,” an election observer remarked, echoing a sentiment shared by many monitoring the polls.
While counting began in some areas, officials at Polling Unit 002 in the same Ward B continued waiting for more voters to arrive. Despite a peaceful atmosphere reported across various polling units, turnout remained disappointingly low in many parts of Yaba.
In Ward F, Unit 012 along Iwaya Road, voting was still in progress at press time, but officials described participation as far below expectations. Similar trends were observed in other areas of Iwaya, where Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officials noted a sluggish pace of activity throughout the day.
In contrast, Ward G at St. Timothy College saw a more encouraging turnout, with multiple units—001, 002, 003, 004, and 005—conducting voting in an orderly and organised manner.
Observers commended the generally peaceful conduct of the election but maintained that the evident lack of voter engagement could undermine the credibility and inclusiveness of the process.
LASIEC officials continued to urge eligible voters to come out and cast their ballots before the polls closed at 3 p.m.
ADEOLA KUNLE
