The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed gratitude to Lagosians for their peaceful participation in Saturday’s Local Government elections across the state.

In a statement issued, Sanwo-Olu commended residents for turning out in large numbers to perform their civic duty, describing their orderly conduct as a testament to Lagos’ reputation as the “Centre of Excellence.”

He said, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Lagosians who came out today to perform their civic duty in the local government elections.

“Your peaceful conduct, sense of responsibility, and turnout across polling units have once again demonstrated the true spirit of Lagos, a state built on participation, progress, and people-centred governance.”

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the roles played by diverse segments of society such as the youths, elders, market women, artisans, and professionals, in contributing to a smooth and democratic process.

“You have shown that democracy will continue to shape leadership when the people actively participate in elections,” he noted.

The governor also commended security agencies, electoral officials, and the media for ensuring a credible and secure election.

“To our security agencies, the media and electoral officials, I say thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to ensuring a safe and credible process. Your efforts helped make today a success,” he stated.

As Lagosians await the official results from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Sanwo-Olu called on all candidates and political stakeholders to maintain peace and order.

“I urge all candidates and political actors to remain calm, respectful, and law-abiding,” he said, adding that the peaceful conduct of the elections was a bold step in strengthening grassroots democracy.

“Let us keep this spirit alive as we continue to build the Lagos of our dreams — inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous,” he added.

The local government elections were held across Lagos State’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had cast his vote at Polling Unit 006, Ward E, located at St. Stephens Nursery and Primary School, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.

The governor cast his vote alongside his wife, Dr Ibijoke, around 11am.

The voting to elect chairman and councillors for the Lagos Island Local Government Area began at the polling unit at 8am.

Sanwo-Olu’s media aide, Jubril Gawat, also cast his vote at the polling unit earlier.

The local government election is being held in the 20 LGAs and 37 local council development areas of the state.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on Saturday voted in Epe for the Local Government Election, describing the voters’ turnout in the town as encouraging.

The Deputy Governor, who arrived at his Polling Unit-002, Ward A4, Oke Balogun, Epe by 11:05 am and voted by 11:27 a.m., commended the people for coming out early to perform their civic obligation.

According to Hamzat, “it’s just starting, as you can see. There is a long line of voters, and a lot of people are out here voting. The process has just started. So far, so good. But it’s still a bit early to assess what’s going on. I think the turnout is encouraging.”

He added that in his polling unit, the turnout has been encouraging and it has been good, hoping that it will be the same in other areas.

Speaking on the late commencement of the voting process, Hamzat noted that it could be due to efforts by LASIEC to make all necessary arrangements to ensure that voting goes on very well.

At Orile Agege Local Government Area, in Oluwole Olaniyan Street, Pollling Unit, 019, Ward E, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, cast his vote at about 11:16am.

Obasa, who described the voting exercise as peaceful and calm, said the turnout of voters at the polling unit, were massive.

Obasa who stressed that the reports on the security situation at the polling units in Agege were highly impressive, commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, for their prompt action and activeness in discharging their duty.