The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that local government elections will be held in 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).
This announcement follows the recent Supreme Court ruling granting local governments autonomy.
In Lagos State, there has been some uncertainty regarding establishing the 37 LCDAs created from the existing 20 local governments.
Henzodaily reports that given that the LCDAs lack constitutional recognition, there has been ongoing speculation about the state’s plans to hold elections for these 37 areas.
The Special Adviser on Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akoshile, has reassured that the LCDAs will not be left without support in light of the Supreme Court decision.
He said: “It is creativity that gave birth to the LCDAs over 20 years ago. That creativity is what we would continue to improve upon given the present circumstances.”
The Chairman of the Lagos APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, indicated that the leadership of the APC in Lagos State has been overwhelmed by inquiries from the media, party members, and various stakeholders regarding the upcoming local government elections, particularly concerning whether elections will take place in the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
He said, “We wish to inform all and sundry that the Local Government elections will hold across the state in the 20 Local Government Councils and the 37 Local Council Development Areas in the year 2025.
“Since their creation, the Local Council Development Areas have not only been the closest to the grassroots but also brought the desired developments across the state.
“We observed with keen interest the recent debates on the desirability of the existence of the LCDAs and the need to hold elections in their political offices.
“Our position as a progressive party is that we cannot discountenance the contributions of the LCDAs to the overall political and socio-economic development of the state.
“Our landscape is dotted by several infrastructural projects by the LCDAs which include road, drainage and market construction, school and housing projects, primary education and health facilities and various social service interventions etc.
“The various collaborative efforts with the state government on refuse disposal, drain clearing and security point to their continuous relevance.
“We hope this release will put paid to further speculations as regards the local government elections in order not to unnecessarily heat up the polity.
“Meanwhile, we implore our members and all Lagosians to continue to coexist peacefully as we all strive to maintain the leading position of our state in the federation.”