Low Voter Turnout in the Election in Lagos

The election in Lagos State on July 12, 2025, saw surprisingly low participation, with many polling units nearly deserted. 

By looking at reports and expert views, we can see why Lagosians stayed home and how future polls might draw them back to the ballot box.

Movement Restrictions and Voter Fatigue

To keep the vote safe, the Lagos State Police and government barred movements from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on election day.

Even though this window was shorter than in past contests, it still made it hard for traders, market workers, and shift-job holders to reach their polling units. BusinessDay noted empty streets and quiet voting sites, as many chose to stay indoors rather than face checkpoints and checks (Businessday NG).

Repeated local elections can also wear people out. When voters see little change from earlier polls, they lose the urge to vote again so soon. In a city as busy as Lagos, many felt they could not spare hours away from work, family, or daily errands.

Late Starts and Long Delays

Across Lagos, polls were meant to open at 8 a.m., but many did not start until much later. In parts of Ijegun, officials arrived at 9:30 a.m., and in Ikosi-Isheri, the first vote came in after 10:20 a.m. Premium Times Nigeria. Voters who turned up early grew impatient or left to tend to other duties, and others decided it was not worth waiting. These logjams added to the low turnout.

Apathy and Information Gaps

Many residents simply did not know when or where to vote. Interviews for Punch Nigeria showed that dozens of people had missed voter-card collection deadlines or did not realise the election was happening.

Without clear, street-level campaigns or reminders, even registered voters felt cut off. LASIEC’s own chair admitted that local polls often suffer from a lack of publicity, especially in crowded, informal communities

Security Fears and Trust Deficit

Though Lagos saw few violent incidents, old stories of ballot-box snatching or thugs at polling units still worry many. Rumours of armed patrols, even if untrue, kept some away. Building real trust in a fair, well-protected process will be key to bringing those voters back.

Looking Ahead: How to Boost Participation

1. Adjust Movement Rules: Cut security bans to a few high-risk areas, not the entire city, so people can reach the polls freely.
   
2. Improve Logistics: Deploy officers and voting materials hours before dawn, and track delays in real time to open on schedule.
   
3. Ramp Up Publicity: Use market loudspeakers, bus-stop posters, community radio, and youth-group outreach to remind everyone, especially in informal settlements, when and where to vote.
   
4. Extend Voting Hours: Consider opening at dawn or staying open later to fit traders’ and shift-workers’ schedules.