As the countdown to the July 12 local government elections in Lagos begins, the Labour Party (LP) has expressed strong optimism about its chances, provided the polls are conducted in a free and transparent manner.
The Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Mr. Olusupo Ajayi, gave this assurance during an interview on Sunday, highlighting the party’s readiness and growing popularity among Lagos residents.
Ajayi said the Labour Party had successfully conducted peaceful primaries across 26 local councils, from which chairmanship candidates emerged under the leadership of Julius Abure, the party’s national chairman. The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has scheduled the election for all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
“We had peaceful delegate-based primaries in the 26 councils, and the candidates that emerged are well-grounded in their communities,” Ajayi said. “We are confident that our candidates can win, because Lagosians still believe in the Labour Party and what we stand for.”
He recalled that during the 2023 presidential election, the Labour Party recorded the highest number of votes in Lagos State, surpassing the traditional dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Lagosians showed their faith in us during the presidential election, and we believe that same energy and support will be replicated in these local government elections,” he said.
Party Focused on Grassroots Change
The LP deputy chairman said the upcoming local government polls represent a significant opportunity to return governance to the grassroots, where people feel the impact of government most directly. He described the forthcoming council elections as a test of the state’s democratic values and the credibility of LASIEC under the leadership of Justice Ayotunde Phillips’ successor, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile.
“This is a grassroots election,” Ajayi emphasized. “It is where the people’s day-to-day needs are met. We want to bring positive change to the way local councils are run in Lagos.”
He explained that the Labour Party’s campaign strategy would involve direct community engagement, issue-based conversations, and a strong focus on development plans that align with the real needs of the people.
Ajayi added that despite the challenges of running against the ruling APC, which controls most political structures in the state, the LP would conduct a vigorous, lawful campaign to win hearts and votes.
“We know what we’re up against, but we’re not deterred,” he said. “We will mobilise voters through every legal means and make sure our message gets to every household.”
A Call for Fairness and Integrity
Ajayi appealed to LASIEC to act as an impartial electoral umpire. He specifically called on the commission’s chairperson, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.
He warned that the legacy of the LASIEC leadership would be judged by how well it managed the polls, urging the commission to demonstrate integrity and resist political pressure.
“At the end of our lives, what we leave behind is not money or power, but our reputation,” Ajayi said. “I hope Justice Okikiolu-Ighile will uphold her name and conduct a credible election that future generations can look back on with pride.”
His remarks come amid growing concerns about public trust in local elections in Nigeria, where allegations of vote buying, low voter turnout, and irregularities have frequently marred the process.
LP’s Expanding Structure in Lagos
The Labour Party in Lagos has been experiencing a revival since the 2023 general elections, when its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, shocked observers by winning more votes in Lagos than Bola Tinubu, the former governor and now President of Nigeria. That momentum, party leaders believe, is still alive and can translate into victories at the grassroots level.
The emergence of 26 chairmanship candidates from the Abure-led faction shows that the party is not just banking on popularity, but is actively building its political structure and presence in the state’s council areas.
However, internal disputes remain. A parallel leadership struggle within the party could complicate matters, especially if court rulings or INEC recognition issues arise before election day. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to make definitive statements regarding the leadership tussle between the Abure faction and rival camps in the LP.
Ajayi downplayed the impact of internal wrangling, stating that the party in Lagos is united behind its candidates and focused on winning the July 12 elections.
“Our house in Lagos is in order,” he said. “We are focused, our candidates are credible, and our message is clear.”
Governance at the Council Level
Ajayi reiterated that the Labour Party intends to focus on accountability and community-based governance if given the opportunity to lead local councils. He said elected LP chairmen would prioritize issues like sanitation, primary healthcare, local infrastructure, and job creation.
He also stressed that the party would not operate as a top-down structure but would include community leaders, youth groups, and women in decision-making processes to ensure inclusiveness.
“We are not in this to share power among elites,” he said. “Our candidates live among the people. They know what the communities need. That’s why we are confident of success.”
National Implications of the Polls
The Lagos local government elections will be closely watched across Nigeria as a political litmus test for the Labour Party’s continued relevance and strength after the 2023 general elections.
Analysts say a strong performance by the LP would put further pressure on the APC-led government in Lagos, where the ruling party has held sway since the return to democracy in 1999.
The elections could also be a stepping stone for the Labour Party to build broader political capital ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Voters’ Role
Ajayi called on Lagos residents to come out en masse to vote, saying civic participation is critical to the future of the state.
“The power belongs to the people,” he said. “The only way we can change things is by showing up to vote. If you don’t vote, you give room for others to decide your future.”
He concluded by reaffirming the LP’s commitment to credible politics and responsive leadership.
“Our campaign will be based on issues, not insults. We have a duty to raise the standard of politics in Lagos,” Ajayi said.
With July 12 drawing closer, the Labour Party’s preparations appear to be gathering momentum. Whether this confidence will translate into real gains at the polls remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the local government elections in Lagos may be more competitive and consequential than usual.
