The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has released the final and approved list of candidates contesting for various chairmanship and councillorship positions in the July 12 local government elections across the state.
The commission made the list public on Tuesday after weeks of anticipation. Though LASIEC had earlier scheduled the release for July 1, as announced in its election timetable issued in April, the publication came two days late, sparking questions from political observers and party stakeholders.
When reporters visited the LASIEC headquarters in Yaba on Thursday, the official list was found posted on the commission’s notice board. However, staff within the commission revealed that the list was initially pasted early Tuesday morning but was later removed temporarily due to heavy rain that could have ruined it.
Speaking at a press briefing, LASIEC Chairperson Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd.), who was represented by the commission’s Permanent Secretary, Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, noted that the delay stemmed from issues with some candidates’ documents.
“The list came out very early on Tuesday,” Okikiolu-Ighile explained. “But the candidates themselves stalled the release of the list. For validation, they were expected to bring original copies of their credentials. Some of them only filled out forms and did not bring the required documents, which are mandated by law.”
The list validation process required each candidate to submit specific documents including a Curriculum Vitae, Birth Certificate, Party Membership Card, Permanent Voter Card (PVC), Academic Certificates, and a Personal Data Form signed by a commissioner of oaths or notary public. Additionally, candidates were to submit voter cards of their sponsors — 10 for those running for councillorship positions and 20 for chairmanship aspirants.
While the commission insists these steps are essential for transparency, some critics have raised concerns over the sponsor voter card requirement, saying it could be used to quietly screen out certain aspirants.
In the published list, a number of candidates were marked “not validated” for failing to meet one or more documentation conditions. This means they will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming elections.
LASIEC now says all is set for the council elections across Lagos State’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas. The commission added that it is confident of delivering a free, fair, and credible process.
