Lagosians Shun LG Polls, Say ‘Our Votes Don’t Count’
🧍♂️ Empty Streets, Quiet Polling Units
Despite the rollout of local government elections in Lagos on Saturday, polling units across the state saw shockingly low voter turnout. Streets that typically buzz during electoral events were silent. Electoral officials were present — but voters weren’t. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
🗣️ “Our Votes Don’t Count Anymore”
Residents across Lagos expressed frustration, pointing to a lack of transparency in past elections as their main reason for refusing to vote.
“What’s the point in voting when our votes don’t count?” asked Godfrey Johnson, one of the few voters who showed up. “Until credible elections become a reality, people will continue to opt out.”
😑 Apathy at the Grassroots
For many, Saturday’s elections were just another page in a tired cycle of disappointment.
Aofeek Sumonu, 41, shared his view:
“This has become routine. People tend to ignore local government elections. It’s the governorship and presidential contests that attract real attention and participation.”
This sentiment was evident across multiple LGAs, where polling stations sat mostly empty, and electoral officials waited for voters that never came.
📉 The Bigger Problem
This low turnout trend underscores a growing disconnect between the public and grassroots governance. While presidential and gubernatorial elections still generate national buzz, many Lagosians seem to see local elections as toothless and symbolic.
Analysts warn this could damage democratic accountability at the local level, where decisions on education, health, sanitation, and community projects are actually made.