Former Lagos Deputy Governor Demands Cancellation Of Local Government Elections Amid Alleged Irregularities.
Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has called for the immediate cancellation of the ongoing local government elections in the state, citing widespread irregularities and alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process. The prominent politician made the statement on Saturday while addressing reporters at polling unit 19 in Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area.
Bucknor-Akerele, a seasoned politician and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, expressed deep concerns about the integrity of the elections, accusing the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) of orchestrating disruptions that have prevented many eligible voters from casting their ballots. She revealed that she was unable to vote at her designated polling unit because her name was missing from the voter register, a grievance echoed by other voters across the state.
“They have planned to rig this election because people have not been able to vote in their units,” Bucknor-Akerele stated. “When you get to your unit, they say they have given them a list of names. I have been to my own unit, and my name is not there.” She further alleged that polling units were relocated without prior notice, citing an example where units previously situated in front of Eko Hotel were moved to Ajose Adeogun, causing confusion among voters.
The former deputy governor, who served under then-Governor Bola Tinubu from 1999 to 2002, described the irregularities as part of a deliberate effort to favour a particular political party. “There is a clear effort to rig the election in favour of one party,” she asserted, urging LASIEC to cancel the polls due to what she termed “widespread logistical failures” and voter disenfranchisement.
Bucknor-Akerele’s call for cancellation has sparked significant attention, with many residents expressing frustration over the reported disorganisation. A voter, Taofeek Sumonu, aged 41, noted that the low turnout was unsurprising, as similar issues have plagued previous local government elections. “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.
In contrast, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who cast his vote at Polling Unit 006, Ward E3, on Lagos Island, described the election as “peaceful and well-organised.” Accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the governor commended LASIEC for its efforts and urged residents to exercise their civic duty responsibly. “The beauty of it is that all the officers, LASIEC ad-hoc staff, are on ground with all the necessary materials,” Sanwo-Olu said, expressing optimism that the voting process would conclude smoothly.
The allegations of electoral misconduct have reignited debates about the credibility of local government elections in Lagos, with Bucknor-Akerele’s remarks amplifying calls for greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process. As a respected figure with a long history in Nigerian politics, her intervention has underscored the need for a thorough review of the state’s electoral practices.
Bucknor-Akerele, born in 1939, is no stranger to political advocacy. A former senator and a key figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, she has consistently championed democratic principles. Her resignation as deputy governor in 2002, citing the need to preserve her integrity and family name, remains a notable moment in Lagos’ political history.
As the local government elections continue, the spotlight remains on LASIEC to address the concerns raised by Bucknor-Akerele and other stakeholders. The outcome of the polls and the response to these allegations will likely shape public confidence in the state’s electoral system moving forward.
