Lagos Council Polls: CODER Commends LASIEC

The Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) has commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission over its successful handling of the local government elections held in the state on Saturday.

CODER, led by its National Coordinator, Chief Ayo Opadokun, said it visited the entire 20 local government areas and the 37 local council development areas and it was satisfied with the way the elections were held.

It, however, confirmed voter apathy in some areas and that the election started at a slow pace but with time, LASIEC was able to stabilize the conduct of the exercise in the affected areas.

CODER which was one of the election observer groups accredited for the exercise, in a statement made available to P.M.NEWS, noted that, “in virtually all the polling stations/units visited by our team of observers’ voters, were seen to have conducted themselves in peaceful manner with adequate security provided by the Nigeria Police to forestall malpractice and electoral misconduct.

“LASIEC electoral officials were seen discharging their duties with reasonable professionalism while taking their time to provide ample information to voters towards the discharge of their franchise.

“However, the democratic nature of the elections was also noticed because of the number of political parties that fielded candidates for various elective positions.”

In the Badagry area, CODER noted that the election started a bit late in some areas visited, but LASIEC officials upon arrival quickly commenced work and ensured that the time lost was eventually regained.

“Elections in the Ikorodu area of the state as reported by our observers was said to be free and fair, while the people conducted themselves in a peaceful manner, with the LASIEC officials arriving on time for the commencement of the exercise in the polling units visited.

“Elections in the Oshodi area of the state was also reported by our team of observers seconded to the location to be generally peaceful, with the people (voters) casting their votes without any form of interference from any quarters.

“Materials and officials arrived early, the elections conducted in a free and fair atmosphere, though it was reported that the heavy downpour later in the day delayed the timely conclusion of elections in some areas visited,” CODER said in a statement signed by Head of Administration, Deji Sule-Odu.

—Eromosele Ebhomele