Tension erode as more than 13 Lagos political parties reject peace accord amid the July 12, 2025, Chairmanship and councilors across the state’s 20 Local Government.
Lagos residents are heading to the polls today, Saturday, July 12, to elect chairmen and councilors.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has pledged a credible and transparent electoral process, July 12.
However, the atmosphere is far from being very calm.
A wave of discontent from opposition parties and civil society groups casts a dark shadow over the election’s integrity.
Political Parties Snub Peace Accord: A Dangerous Signal
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
13 out of 15 registered political parties refused to sign the peace accord traditionally facilitated by LASIEC before elections.
Only the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Youth Party endorsed the agreement.
The rest cited unresolved grievances and procedural unfairness as reasons for their boycott.
This peace accord is usually a symbolic gesture, signaling commitment to a peaceful, orderly election.
But this time, the refusal by the majority of parties signals deep-rooted mistrust in the electoral process where Lagos political parties reject peace accord
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representing the dissenting parties, openly criticized LASIEC for its handling of the election guidelines.
LASIEC’s Controversial Election Guidelines Spark Outrage
George Ashiru, IPAC’s Public Relations Officer, spoke on behalf of the dissenting parties.
He lambasted LASIEC for failing to consult political parties before releasing election guidelines.
According to Ashiru, the commission’s refusal to extend the deadline for submitting nomination forms was particularly problematic.
Ashiru stated, “The Commission did not consult us before releasing the guidelines.
Most parties could not meet the unrealistic deadlines, especially with internal party crises.”
This lack of flexibility and consultation has been widely condemned as a deliberate attempt to sideline opposition parties.
Labour Party’s Crisis and Vandalism Allegations
The Labour Party (LP), one of the major opposition forces, has been particularly vocal.
Its Chairperson, Dayo Ekong, pleaded with LASIEC to reconsider its rigid stance on deadlines.
She cited ongoing internal crises within the party as the reason for their delayed preparations.
Ekong also raised alarms over the vandalism of LP posters and billboards across Lagos, suggesting a hostile environment for opposition campaigns.
Despite these serious allegations, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who was present at the peace accord event, reportedly observed the complaints silently without addressing them.
Civil Society Demands Postponement Over Legal Concerns
Adding fuel to the fire, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), a prominent civil society group, has called for the postponement of the elections.
The group argues that the elections are unconstitutional due to the delayed implementation of the Local Government Administrative Law.
CHSR’s president, Alex Omotehinse, led a peaceful protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
There, he submitted a petition demanding immediate enforcement of the law, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed on May 7, 2025.
However, its activation was deferred until August 4 well after today’s elections.
Allegations of Political Manipulation and Democratic Violation as Lagos political parties reject peace accord
CHSR’s petition accuses the state government of political manipulation.
The group describes the delay as “politically motivated” and a “violation of democratic principles.”
According to the petition, postponing the law’s effect undermines the Constitution and Lagos
State’s reputation for good governance.
The petition states:
“This calculated delay is not only unjustifiable but also undermines the spirit and letter of the Constitution, as well as democratic norms Lagos State has always prided itself on upholding.
Allowing a law to be suspended arbitrarily for political convenience sets a dangerous precedent and may encourage future governments to subvert the legislative process to suit narrow interests.”
Risks of Legal Ambiguity and Post-Election Turmoil
The CHSR warns that delaying the law’s implementation introduces legal ambiguity into the July 12 elections.
This ambiguity risks post-election litigation and political instability.
Such turmoil could further polarize Lagos’s already divided polity and tarnish its image as a model of democracy.
“We demand immediate implementation of the Local Government Administrative Law without further delay,” the petition concludes.
“Failure to implement the law as duly signed is a violation of the public trust.
We shall not hesitate to escalate our advocacy to national and international levels if urgent corrective steps are not taken.”
Police Silence and Government Inaction: A Recipe for Chaos?
The police’s passive stance during the peace accord event has raised eyebrows.
Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh’s silence on the opposition’s complaints about election guidelines and vandalism appears to signal tacit approval or indifference.
This silence risks emboldening political thugs and undermining the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the state government’s refusal to address the delayed law implementation and the opposition’s grievances suggests a lack of commitment to a truly free and fair election.
Critics argue that the government is more interested in maintaining power than ensuring democratic principles.
What Does This Mean for Lagos Residents?
For Lagosians, today’s elections are supposed to be a chance to shape local governance.
Instead, they face a deeply flawed process marred by political tension, legal uncertainty, and a lack of transparency.
The refusal of 13 political parties to sign the peace accord is a glaring warning sign.
It indicates widespread mistrust and dissatisfaction with the electoral commission and the ruling party’s conduct.
The delayed implementation of the Local Government Administrative Law further complicates matters, threatening to delegitimize the election results.
A Crisis of Democracy in Lagos
As Lagos residents cast their votes today, the state stands at a crossroads.
The refusal of most parties to commit to peace, the police’s silence, and the government’s questionable legal maneuvers paint a troubling picture.
Is this election a genuine exercise in democracy, or merely a charade designed to legitimize entrenched power?
The answer may soon become clear, but for now, Lagos faces a crisis of trust and governance that could have lasting consequences.
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