The Lagos chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly criticized Saturday’s local government election, labeling it as “worse than a coup” and a devastating blow to democratic principles.
In a statement jointly signed by its State Chairman, Ayoyinka Oni, and Secretary, Jegede Kehinde, the party argued that it had long anticipated a flawed electoral process. According to the AAC, the failures were systemic and deliberate, making the exercise more harmful than an outright seizure of power.
The party said the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) was clearly ill-prepared to conduct a credible poll. From the onset, it noted, signs of disorganization were evident, confirming their earlier warnings that the process would collapse under its own weight.
“There is no doubt we saw this coming. Like a faulty foundation unable to withstand a storm, the entire structure was bound to crumble. LASIEC had already failed before the first ballot was cast,” the statement read.
Describing the poll as deeply dangerous, the AAC said the election was marred by violence, vote-buying, and gross incompetence — all facilitated by the state’s ruling party and enabled by the electoral body.
“This exercise cannot be called an election — it is far worse than a coup. The All Progressives Congress (APC), aided by LASIEC, has thoroughly trampled on democracy. But let it be known: no system of oppression lasts forever. The tide will turn,” the AAC stated.
The party is demanding the immediate nullification of the election results, as well as the resignation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what it described as his deliberate appointment of a compromised electoral umpire. It also called for the immediate resignation of retired Justice Bola Okikioku Ighile, who currently chairs LASIEC.
Citing widespread voter suppression, delays in the arrival of electoral materials, open inducement of voters, and violence across polling units, the AAC concluded that the process was a calculated sabotage of the people’s mandate.
Stay updated with Chronicles Reporters via our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0JAAC