The Traffic

Lagos LG Elections : Low turnout threaten 2027 

Dr. Fouad Alade Oki, a critical stakeholder of the ruling party the All Progressives Congress (APC),  has raised fundamental issues and concerns over the Lagos State Local Government election held on July 12, 2025. 
According to Dr. Oki, in a written Preliminary Report on July 12th, 2025, titled Lagos State Local Government Elections: Unprecedented Low Turnout and Dire Implications for 2027. He stated that the election recorded a significantly low voter turnout of about 6%, with only 400,000 votes cast out of over 6.8 million registered voters. This low turnout has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the elected officials and the potential implications for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. 

He sighted some fundamentals that could lead to low voters turnout which includes; a Lack of Confidence in the Electoral Process where Many residents expressed doubts about the credibility of the election, citing predetermined outcomes and manipulation, a Disconnection between Citizens and Government where Voters felt their votes wouldn't count, leading to widespread apathy and a Poor Governance and Economic Management, these is where the current administration's handling of governance and economic issues has contributed to voter disillusionment

oki's report includes recommendations for improvement that party leadership should prioritize;
Comprehensive Overhaul of Party Structures: APC needs to reform its internal leadership and engage with underrepresented groups.
- Empowerment of Youth: Meaningful roles should be given to youths in ward and local government levels.
- Inclusion of Underrepresented Groups: The party should prioritize outreach efforts to communities like Arewa and Igbo in Lagos.
Capacity Building and Training: Grassroots party officials require training to enhance their effectiveness 

Oki warned,' The Clock is Ticking Towards 2027, The July 12th 2025 Lagos State Local Government Election is a flashing red light for the All Progressives Congress. The exceptionally low voter turnout is not a minor setback; it is a profound crisis of legitimacy and trust that, if left unaddressed, will have devastating consequences for our party in the 2027 general elections.

We can not afford to be complacent, to dismiss this as "just a local election," or to continue with business as usual. The demise of former President Buhari has created a vacuum that demands a new, more nuanced approach to coalition building and demographic engagement, particularly with the critical Arewa community. 

The persistent mistrust of the Igbo community, despite our efforts, highlights a deeper systemic issue that must be resolved. The widespread apathy of the youth and other disenfranchised groups, fueled by a lack of internal democracy and perceived elite capture, is a ticking time bomb.
The time for self-congratulation is over. The time for honest self-assessment, fundamental internal reform, and strategic recalibration is now. We must first learn from this stark reality of voter turnout, demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity and internal democracy, and rebuild trust with the electorate before embarking on any further voter registration drives 
The future of our party and our role in the governance of Lagos State and Nigeria hinges on our ability to heed this wake-up call and act decisively. The path to 2027 starts with acknowledging this profound electoral apathy and addressing its root causes within our own party.