The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that the 2025 local government elections will be conducted across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). This announcement puts to rest widespread speculation that the elections would be limited to the 20 constitutionally recognized LGAs.
Speaking on Sunday, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the state chairman of the APC, debunked rumors suggesting otherwise. In a statement released to the media, he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to ensuring grassroots inclusivity.
“In recent times, the leadership of APC in Lagos State has been inundated by the media, party members, and other stakeholders with questions regarding the conduct of the forthcoming local government elections, especially concerning the 37 LCDAs,” Ojelabi said. “It has become expedient to clear the air on these needless and distractive speculations.”
He added, “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.”
Relevance of the LCDAs
The LCDAs, established during the tenure of former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have played a critical role in governance at the grassroots level. Although not officially recognized in the Nigerian Constitution, the LCDAs have functioned alongside the LGAs to provide essential services, infrastructure, and development projects.
Ojelabi emphasized their contributions, stating, “Since their creation, the Local Council Development Areas have been the closest to the grassroots and brought the desired developments across the state.” He highlighted key projects undertaken by the LCDAs, including road construction, drainage systems, market development, schools, housing projects, and improvements in primary health and education.
The APC chairman also pointed to the collaborative efforts between the LCDAs and the state government in areas such as waste management, security, and environmental sanitation as evidence of their ongoing relevance.
Gbajabiamila’s Contradictory Remarks
The clarification from Ojelabi comes in the wake of a conflicting statement made by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. During an APC assembly in Surulere, Gbajabiamila had reportedly stated that the upcoming elections would only hold in the 20 LGAs, leaving the fate of the 37 LCDAs uncertain.
Gbajabiamila’s remarks caused a stir within the party and among Lagosians, as he also announced that the defunct Mandate and Justice Forum groups within the Lagos APC had been banned. The move, according to him, was to foster unity within the party under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“President Bola Tinubu, alongside the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), has banned the regrouping of the defunct Mandate and Justice Forum groups in Lagos APC,” Gbajabiamila declared. “All members are directed to remain unified under the mainstream APC.”
While Gbajabiamila’s statement hinted at potential changes to the structure of the council elections, Ojelabi’s recent clarification appears to have set the record straight.
APC’s Position on the Debate
The APC state leadership has taken a firm stance in defending the continued relevance and functionality of the LCDAs. Ojelabi dismissed ongoing debates about the desirability of the LCDAs’ existence and their inclusion in political offices as unwarranted distractions.
“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,” he said.
Grassroots Engagement and Unity
The APC also called on party members and residents of Lagos State to maintain peace and unity as preparations for the elections gather momentum.
“We hope this release will put paid to further speculations regarding the local government elections in order not to unnecessarily heat up the polity,” Ojelabi stated.
He urged Lagosians to continue working together to uphold the state’s leadership position in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of grassroots governance in achieving this goal.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
The creation of LCDAs has long been a contentious issue in Nigerian politics. Lagos State established the 37 LCDAs in 2003 under Tinubu’s administration to bring governance closer to the people. However, their constitutional status remains a gray area.
Despite initial resistance from the federal government and debates over their legality, the LCDAs have continued to function effectively, with successive administrations supporting their activities.
As 2025 approaches, the APC’s commitment to holding elections across both LGAs and LCDAs may set the stage for further discussions about constitutional amendments to formally recognize LCDAs nationwide.
Implications for Lagosians
For residents, the confirmation of elections in all council areas underscores the APC’s focus on inclusivity and grassroots representation. However, the party will face the challenge of ensuring a smooth electoral process that accommodates both the LGAs and LCDAs.
With Lagos State playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s political landscape, the 2025 council polls will serve as a litmus test for the APC’s ability to maintain unity and deliver on its promises of grassroots development.
As Ojelabi noted, “The APC remains committed to the socio-economic advancement of Lagos State through collaborative efforts and effective governance at all levels.
