Electoral Commission Releases 'Results' Of Lagos Council Polls
… Opposition Parties Allege Fraud
SAN FRANCISCO, October 24, (THEWILL) – The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) amidst criticisms has finally released what it called the official results of the local government and local council development areas (LCDAs) handing all 57 Chairmanship seats to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Recall that elections were held for the Chairmanship and councillorship positions of the 20 local government Areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state on Saturday with controversies and intrigues trailing the delayed announcement of the results.
THEWILL had earlier revealed that the leader of the ACN, Senator Bola Tinubu, who also controls the machinery of government in Lagos State had frustrated the announcement of results immediately after the polls in order to influence the outcome in key local governments where his party suffered embarrassing defeats.
According to the result announced by LASIEC Chairman, Justice Abdulfatai Adeyinka (rtd), the ACN also won 355 councillorship seats of the 376 in the state, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 18 seats while the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) won 2 with the result of one ward declared inconclusive, in what Justice Adeyinka said could not be clearly resolved without a re-run.
The Chairman of LASIEC however urged all aggrieved persons and political parties to seek redress at the electoral tribunal in the state, adding that 28 political parties took part in the polls with 250 candidates vying for chairmanship positions and 1145 candidates for councillorship seats.
However, as expected the results declared by LASIEC has led to protests by some aggrieved voters, candidates and political parties in the state.
The opposition party in the state, the PDP has alleged that it won the Chairman elections in Badagry LGA, Eredo LCDA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA and Somolu LGA.
In a press conference, Dr. Oluyomi Finnih of the PDP’s Elders Council accused the ACN and LASIEC of manipulation and electoral fraud.
"We find it very important to react to the regrettable handling of the local government elections conducted last Saturday by the LASIEC in collaboration with the Lagos state government. We want to state that the process has not been satisfactory, a development which portends danger for our democracy.
“As widely reported, the election was marred by noticeable abuses through rigging and violence across the state. Yet, we are pleased that Lagosians who are hard hit by the poor performance of the local councils did exercise their civic duty by voting for the People’s Democratic Party, Finnih stated.
Chairman of the PDP in Lagos State, Mr. Setonji Koshoedo also affirmed that his party won the chairmanship slots in Badagry Central LCDA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Eredo LCDA, Somolu Local Government, Agbado / Oke-Odo LCDA and Ojo Local Government. He accused the ACN of announcing a forged result on state owned television LTV.
"We are glad to be aware that Lagosians have resolved to have a change of Government at the grassroots level. Indeed that remains the reason they voted massively to effect change. The said decision of Lagosians gave victory to our party in many areas of the state.
"Unfortunately, the LASIEC is being or about to be used to thwart the wish of Lagosians. These Conspirators have been sponsoring the release of fake results from a Hotel room. The said results are aired on the State TV. This is contrary to section 5(1) – (8) of LASIEC law which prescribes that election result can only be announced at polling units, Ward collection centres and LG/LCDA Secretariat.
"We state categorically that these undemocratic tendencies are unpatriotic and enemies of Lagos State. Alas! Lagosians must resist their arrogance,” he added.