2025 LG Polls: IPAC Blasts LASIEC Over Election Guidelines, Secrecy

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State has condemned the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) over its handling of the recently released guidelines for the 2025 local government elections, accusing the commission of operating without transparency and sidelining political stakeholders.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday by IPAC Chairperson, Emilade Akinade, and Public Relations Officer, George Ashiru, the council—representing all 19 registered political parties in Lagos—criticised LASIEC for failing to properly communicate crucial developments, including the legal framework guiding the elections.

InfoStride News reports that LASIEC on Friday announced that local government elections will be held on July 12, 2025, covering all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

However, IPAC said the announcement came as a shock, especially as key consultations and clarifications were not made prior to the unveiling of the guidelines.

“Critical questions and issues remain unresolved regarding the appropriate interpretation of the Supreme Court’s pronouncements on LG autonomy and how that will impact the 37 LCDAs established by the state government,” the statement read.

IPAC further revealed that it only recently became aware that a revised LASIEC law—granting the commission power to conduct executive elections into the 57 LGAs and LCDAs—was passed on January 9 and signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on January 10.

“This took IPAC by surprise. Such critical legislation should be in the public domain. The information was not made public on any platform, and copies of the new law are yet to be made available to IPAC for distribution to political parties,” the council stated.

The group expressed dissatisfaction with the LASIEC Board, chaired by retired Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, accusing it of failing to foster collaboration or transparency with political parties. According to IPAC, the board has only held one meeting with party representatives since its inauguration—and that was after IPAC initiated the request.

“LASIEC ought to have convened multiple meetings with political parties to clarify the implications of the new electoral law well ahead of the elections,” the statement added.

The council urged LASIEC to take cues from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos regarding stakeholder engagement and transparency.

“The constant late release of guidelines close to the beginning of the electoral cycle, and the lack of continuous engagement with political parties, is an error. It creates suspicion and a perception that LASIEC may be working towards a predetermined outcome,” IPAC warned.

The council called on LASIEC to immediately initiate open dialogue with all political parties to ensure a fair, credible, and inclusive electoral process ahead of the July polls.