Lagos, Nigeria – In a ceremony marked by celebration and renewed political commitment, the political landscape of Lagos State entered a new chapter today as the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) formally presented Certificates of Return to all victorious candidates from the July 12, 2025 local government elections. The prestigious ceremony, held at the LASIEC headquarters in Yaba, marked the official transition from campaign season to governance for the newly elected officials who will steer the affairs of Lagos’ 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) for the next four years.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officially presented Certificates of Return to all duly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councilors who emerged victorious in the July 12 local government elections, thereby signalling a significant step in solidifying the democratic process at the grassroots level, as winners from various political parties received formal validation of their electoral mandates.
The presentation ceremony, presided over by the LASIEC Chairman, Honourable Justice Mobolanle Abidemi Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd.) was attended by a host of newly elected officials, their supporters, and party leaders. Each winner was called forward to receive their Certificate of Return, symbolizing the formal recognition of their victory and the beginning of their tenure in office.
“Today, we affirm the will of the people as expressed through the ballot box,” declared Justice Okikiolu-Ighile. “These certificates are not just pieces of paper—they represent the trust and responsibility bestowed upon you by your constituents. Use this mandate wisely and serve with integrity.”
The July 12 polls, which saw a relatively peaceful conduct across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs), were hailed as a testament to Lagos State’s growing electoral maturity. While pockets of minor skirmishes were reported in some areas, the overall exercise was largely free of the violence that had marred previous elections.
Political analysts noted the significance of the elections, particularly as they set the tone for governance at the grassroots level, where policies directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. The newly sworn-in officials will now be tasked with addressing critical issues such as primary healthcare, sanitation, road maintenance, and community development—key areas that define daily living in Lagos neighborhoods.
While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secured the majority of seats, opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), also celebrated victories in some councils. Representatives from these parties commended LASIEC for what they described as a “fairer electoral process compared to previous years,” though some still called for further improvements in transparency.
“We may not have won everywhere, but the fact that our candidates were allowed to compete and even win in some areas shows progress,” remarked a PDP chieftain who attended the event.
With the certificates now in hand, the elected officials are expected to proceed to their respective councils for formal swearing-in ceremonies in the coming days. Once inaugurated, they will begin their four-year tenure, during which they will be expected to deliver on campaign promises and work closely with the state government to implement developmental projects.
Residents across Lagos have already begun voicing their expectations, with demands ranging from improved waste management to better primary school facilities and enhanced security measures in local communities.
As the ceremony concluded, LASIEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process remains credible and inclusive. Meanwhile, civil society organizations urged the newly elected leaders to prioritize transparency and public engagement in their administrations.
“The real work begins now,” said Comrade Ayo Adebusoye, a governance advocate. “The people have spoken, and they will be watching closely to see if their leaders fulfill their promises.”
