The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood, has deployed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Mobile Police Force units, and tactical squads to safeguard collation centres across all 57 local government areas in the state. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to maintain order and prevent disruptions during the concluding stages of the local government elections.
CP Moshood confirmed that the elections were largely peaceful, with no incidents of violence recorded throughout the state. However, the exercise was marked by an extremely low voter turnout at most polling units.
To bolster security, particularly in riverine regions, the Commissioner disclosed that 16 gunboats were deployed to areas such as Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, and other coastal zones, ensuring effective surveillance along Lagos’ waterways.
During a routine patrol around Berger on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at approximately 2:47 p.m., a long queue of vehicles was observed attempting to enter Lagos. The road had been sealed off by police personnel enforcing a state-wide 12-hour vehicular movement restriction. CP Moshood stated that this restriction would be lifted by 3:00 p.m., after which intensified police patrols would be launched across the state to forestall any form of mischief or breach of peace.
Reflecting on the day’s events, the Commissioner attributed the peaceful outcome to strategic planning and robust support from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun. “The success we witnessed didn’t come by accident—it was the result of meticulous planning. The IGP ensured we had all the resources required to secure the process,” he noted.
He further affirmed: “There has been no single report of violence across Mushin, Festac, Surulere, Ijanikin, and other previously identified flashpoints. Even the riverine areas remained calm. We’re proud to have provided a safe environment for Lagosians to vote.”
Commending the personnel for their dedication, CP Moshood extended gratitude to officers deployed from about seven other states and the mobile units that augmented local security efforts. He also lauded Lagos residents for adhering to the temporary traffic restriction, adding that no arrests were made in relation to movement violations.
As the post-election collation phase began, the Commissioner assured the public that stringent security measures would remain in place until the announcement of results. “We’ve positioned adequate officers, including mobile teams, at all collation centres and ensured safe movement of electoral materials and personnel,” he said.
CP Moshood issued a stern warning against any acts of incitement or attempts to destabilize the peace. “We are aware that post-result reactions may include jubilation or agitation, but no form of blackmail or unrest will be tolerated in any part of Lagos,” he declared.
Despite the calm, numerous polling units witnessed minimal activity, with unarmed officers seen idle due to the lack of crowds or threats. At Polling Unit 014 on 21 Road, Second Avenue, Festac Town, voters were left stranded as of 11:30 a.m. due to the absence of LASIEC officials, even though the unit was supposed to be operational.
The general mood among residents reflected deep-seated apathy. Many stayed indoors or lounged outside their homes, disengaged from the electoral process.
Godfrey Johnson, a 54-year-old resident, expressed his frustration: “Why should we participate when our votes won’t count? We’ve lost trust in LASIEC’s ability to conduct credible elections. Until the system improves, this will be the result.”
His views were echoed by others, including Taofeek Sumonu, 41, who stated, “This lack of participation isn’t surprising. Local government elections rarely inspire confidence. People are more interested in the governorship and presidential polls.”
These sentiments underscored the widespread skepticism surrounding the transparency and relevance of the local elections, despite repeated assurances by state officials.
