KEY POINTS
- Elections confirmed for all LGAs and LCDAs, APC clarifies 2025 plans.
- LCDAs praised for grassroots contributions, projects include roads, schools, and security.
- Proposed bill faces stakeholder opposition.
Lagos State will conduct local government elections in 2025, covering all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
This announcement was made by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, in response to speculations about the status of the LCDAs.
APC confirms elections across LGAs and LCDAs
In a statement released Sunday, Ojelabi confirmed that the upcoming elections would take place in all council areas, dismissing claims of exclusion.
“The Local Government elections will hold across the state in the 20 Local Government Councils and the 37 Local Council Development Areas in 2025,” Ojelabi assured.
Highlighting the significance of the LCDAs, Ojelabi noted their contributions to grassroots development.
According to Punch, he pointed to infrastructure projects, such as roads, schools, and markets, as well as collaborative efforts with the state government on waste management and security.
Debates on restructuring local governance
The statement comes amidst debates on the desirability of LCDAs and their role in governance.
Recently, the Lagos State House of Assembly proposed a bill seeking to replace LCDAs with Area Administrative Councils, following a Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy.
Titled A Bill for a Law to Provide for Local Government’s System, Establishment and Administration and to Consolidate All Laws on Local Government Administration, the proposal has faced opposition from political stakeholders.
The Assembly, however, insists the restructuring is necessary to align with national legal frameworks.
Call for peace and unity
Governor Ademola Adeleke urged residents to maintain peace, emphasizing the importance of harmonious coexistence as Lagos continues to lead in political and economic development.
“We hope this release will put an end to further speculations regarding local government elections and prevent unnecessary tension in the polity,” Ojelabi added.
