Call for electoral reforms, express concerns over Lagos council polls
Political party leaders in Lagos State have called for an inclusive and accountable political system, expressing concerns over the handling of the upcoming council elections by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
The charge was given yesterday, during the inaugural political party chairmen’s dialogue hosted by News Central, where chairmen from various political parties convened to discuss governance, elections, leadership, and the city’s democratic future.
National Publicity Secretary of Youth Party (YP), Ayodele Adio, noted that key issues to be addressed before the council polls include whether the elections would be conducted in 20 local councils or 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), given the Supreme Court ruling recognising only 20 councils in Lagos State.
He also raised concerns about the registration areas to be used by LASIEC and whether they have the constitutional power to create new polling units outside the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) design.
On his part, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), George Ashiru, called for collaboration and internal party democracy.
Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Adenipebi Mode Adekunle, said: “We need a strong opposition.”
In Nigeria, the winner takes it all. The person in power causes problems in other parties to weaken them.”
Also, the Lagos Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ronnie Dikko-Kila, blamed the ruling parties for deliberately fracturing opposition alliances.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Philip Aivoji, emphasised the need for principled governance.
Labour Party Lagos Chairman, Dayo Ekong, underscored the importance of platforms that support civic expression.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Kehinde Adegbulugbe, refuted the claims of Lagos being a one-party state, saying: “I refuse to say that Lagos State is a one-party state. We have 18 political parties that are vying, and they are in opposition. We cannot stand here and say we are a one-party state.”