The African Action Congress (AAC) in Lagos State has called for the immediate cancellation of the local government elections held across the state on Saturday, July 12, 2025, describing the exercise as a “sham” and a “disgrace to democracy.”
In a press statement jointly signed by the party’s State Chairman, Ayoyinka Oni, and State Secretary, Jedege Kehinde, AAC accused the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) of gross incompetence, deliberate voter suppression, and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the elections.
According to the statement, AAC field agents across various local government areas reported that LASIEC officials arrived late to polling units, with some showing up as late as 12 noon, thereby discouraging voters who had waited hours to cast their votes. The party claimed this delay was a calculated attempt to disenfranchise the electorate.
The AAC also alleged that some political party logos, including its own, were missing from the ballot papers, raising serious questions about LASIEC’s preparedness and impartiality.
“This act alone erodes public trust and renders the entire process invalid,” the party said.
The statement further revealed that no proper accreditation was conducted in many polling units, allowing individuals to vote without verification. The party claimed that some voters used other people’s Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while in some cases, names on the voters’ list were not even checked.
AAC described the security situation as dire, citing incidents of violence and voter intimidation in Ikosi-Isheri, Mile 12, and Ajeromi-Ifelodun. The party accused the police of failing to provide adequate protection, quoting a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who allegedly told a complainant, “We can’t be everywhere.”
Additionally, the party condemned LASIEC officials for allegedly collecting bribes in full view of voters and allowing APC agents and thugs to manipulate the voting process.
The party concluded by warning that the collapse of democratic processes in Lagos State was dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.