The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) presented Certificates of Return to the newly elected Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, and Councillors who emerged victorious in the recently concluded 2025 Local Government (LG) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections on Wednesday.
The presentation, which took place at LASIEC’s headquarters in Sabo, Yaba, marked the commission’s formal validation of the mandate given by the people to a fresh batch of grassroots leaders across the state.
Presiding over the ceremony, LASIEC Chairman, Justice Ayotunde Phillips Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), described the event as more than a symbolic gesture, saying it reflected the commission’s commitment to deepening democratic culture in Lagos.
“This event transcends the mere presentation of certificates. It represents the embodiment of democratic values and the culmination of several months of strategic planning, civic involvement, and institutional collaboration,” she said.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile expressed gratitude to residents for their enthusiasm throughout the electoral process, noting that democracy thrives only when citizens participate actively.
The LASIEC boss paid special tribute to the range of stakeholders who supported the commission, including political parties, candidates, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), security agencies, civil society groups, market leaders, religious bodies, youth organisations, traditional rulers, and persons with disabilities.
She also acknowledged the contributions of LASIEC’s staff and ad-hoc personnel who overcame logistical setbacks during the early stages of the elections.
“Their dedication and professionalism were instrumental in delivering a credible poll,” she said.
While responding to questions from journalists, Justice Okikiolu-Ighile revealed that voter turnout in the 2025 elections had reached 24 per cent, a sharp rise from the 10 per cent recorded in 2021.
“This turnout is unprecedented and demonstrates that more people came out to vote compared to the last election cycle,” she stated.
She credited the success to an aggressive voter awareness campaign that included bus branding, radio jingles, and billboard placements across major locations in the state.
Commenting on the general atmosphere of the polls, the LASIEC Chairman said the election was widely praised for its peaceful conduct, with both local and international observers describing it as “one of the most orderly local government elections in recent memory.”
She reaffirmed LASIEC’s commitment to upholding professionalism and integrity in future exercises, urging the newly elected officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by their constituents.
“The real work begins now. Your victory is a call to serve, and the people are watching,” she advised the incoming chairmen and councillors.