Despite the conduct of local government elections across Lagos State on Saturday, voter turnout remained strikingly low, with many residents choosing to stay away from polling units in apparent protest over what they described as a lack of credibility in the electoral system.
In numerous neighbourhoods, streets were quiet throughout the morning, as residents either stayed indoors or lingered outside their homes, expressing little or no interest in participating in the polls.
Some Lagosians attributed the widespread apathy to deep-rooted disillusionment with the electoral process. Mr Godfrey Johnson, a 54-year-old resident, summed up the prevailing sentiment: “What’s the point in voting when our votes don’t count? We’ve lost faith in the system. Until credible elections become a reality, people will continue to opt out.”
Many others echoed his views, describing the persistent lack of transparency in past elections as a major reason for public disengagement, despite repeated promises from government and electoral bodies to uphold democratic integrity.
Mr Taofeek Sumonu, 41, said he was not surprised by the low voter turnout. “This has become routine. People tend to ignore local government elections. It’s the governorship and presidential contests that attract real attention and participation,” he noted.
While electoral officials were stationed at various polling centres across the state, the overall atmosphere was subdued.
In many locations, only a small number of voters turned up to cast their ballots, reflecting the growing disconnect between citizens and grassroots political processes.
