Local elections in Lagos.

07 Oct, 2008

Campaigning has begun for upcoming local elections in Lagos state. On 11 October eligible voters will be called to choose their representatives in 20 local government councils and a further 37 local council development areas, which were carved out of existing local government areas in October 2003 but have not been formally recognised by the constitution.

The poll has been the subject of contention between the attorney general Michael Aondoakaa and Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola in recent weeks, with the former opposing the decision of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to hold elections in the unrecognised areas on constitutional grounds. However the governor is insisting that local elections are a state rather than a federal matter and has said that nothing will stop the poll from going ahead.

Results should be released 24 hours after the close of polling stations.