Ex Deputy Gov. Bucknor-Akerele alleges rigging, calls for cancellation of Lagos LG poll
By Emma Ogbuehi
A former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, has called for the cancellation of the ongoing local government election in the state, alleging that there’s a plan to rig the exercise.
The former deputy governor, while speaking with Nigeria Info on Saturday, said she could not vote because her polling unit is one of the many units moved to another area without prior notice.
“I have been to my own unit, my name is not there.
“There are units supposed to be in front of Eko Hotel, they have brought them here to Ajose Adeogun,” she said.
According to her, the relocation of polling units and the missing names were part of the plans to rig the election.
While accusing the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) of disrupting the exercise, she asked the commission to cancel the polls.
She said, “Many people are not able to vote because they have, in fact, completely disrupted all the polling units. I am calling for the cancelation of this election because there’s a clear effort to rig the election in favour of one party. Because otherwise, why is it that people are not able to vote in their units? Why is it that units have been disrupted and placed in the wrong place?”
In Orile, a resident who pleaded anonymity for fear of victimization, told TheNiche the election was fraught with malpractices.
“Yes, the election into local government offices in Lagos has started, but in my area, precisely Amukoko, they (LASIEC) officials already thump printed the ballot papers which they issued to voters after checking their names in the ballot register. They are then told to drop the ballot papers in the ballot box,” he alleged.
“Is this how the 2027 election will go? If yes, other political parties have no chance at all. This is happening all over Orile, Amukoko. It is sad,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, many residents chose to stay away from the polling units, citing a lack of faith in the electoral process.
Streets in several communities remained largely deserted, with many residents watching from their apartment windows or sitting idly outside their homes, showing no interest in voting.
Many residents who spoke with newsmen voiced their disillusionment.
One of them, Mr. Godfrey Johnson, 54, who spoke with Vanguard newspaper, said: “Of what importance is our participation when our votes will not count? We have lost confidence in INEC’s ability to deliver credible elections. Until we get it right, this will be the outcome.”
His views were echoed by many others who lamented what they described as a consistent pattern of electoral disappointment, despite repeated assurances from government and electoral officials.
Another resident, Mr. Taofeek Sumonu, 41, described the low turnout as unsurprising. “This is not new. It happens in most local government elections. People are waiting for the governorship and presidential polls. That is when you will see real turnout,” he said.
Although electoral officers were present in several polling units, the general atmosphere remained subdued, with only a handful of voters seen casting their ballots.
But the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thinks otherwise.
For him, the election is both peaceful and well-organized. He commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for ensuring a smooth exercise.
Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, cast his vote at exactly 11:10 a.m. at Polling Unit 006, Ward E3, located at St. Stephen’s, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.
Speaking after casting his ballot, the governor expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the poll, noting the presence of electoral officials, party agents, and the calm atmosphere at the polling unit.
“As you can see, everything is okay here. Apart from the fact that it is a heavily populated area, Lagos Island, everything is going on well. You can see that the atmosphere is peaceful and all party agents are on ground,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He noted that while there were minor delays in early morning movement due to limited public transportation, the electoral materials and officials were available across the polling units.
“The beauty of it is that all the officers, LASIEC ad-hoc staff, are on ground with all the necessary materials. We are also glad that the weather has been peaceful,” the governor added.
Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to take advantage of the opportunity to exercise their civic duty peacefully and responsibly.
He praised LASIEC for its efforts in organizing the polls and acknowledged the role of the media in giving the election the attention it deserves.
“I want to thank all LASIEC staff and commend members of the press. You are giving this election the national coverage it deserves. The grassroots is critical; the councillors and chairmen are as important as other arms of government,” he stated.
The governor expressed optimism that the voting process would conclude peacefully and results would be announced promptly.
