Newly Elected Lagos Council Officials Get Certificates of Return

Lagos State has concluded the final phase of its recent local government election by handing out certificates of return to elected officials across its councils.

The presentation took place on Wednesday at the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) headquarters in Yaba.

The certificates were given to elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors from the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. A total of 57 chairmen and 376 councillors received their certificates following the July 12 elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed nearly all the contested seats, winning all 57 chairmanship positions and 375 councillorship slots. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured just one councillorship seat, according to the official results released by LASIEC.

The event marked the conclusion of the electoral process that began months ago. LASIEC officials described the exercise as the result of long planning, wide public involvement, and collaboration with political parties, security agencies, and community organisations.

The Commission noted that the success of the election would not have been possible without support from residents, traditional leaders, civil society groups, youth associations, and others who participated in the process. About 45,000 ad-hoc personnel were deployed to conduct the polls across the state.

Despite early challenges on election day, including some delays in logistics, officials praised the resilience of both voters and staff who ensured that voting went on smoothly. Security agencies were also credited for maintaining order throughout the election period.

The newly elected officials are expected to begin their tenure after the current term ends on July 26. Until then, preparations will continue for a smooth transition in each council area.

Among those who received certificates was Kolawole Jubril Emilagba, the newly elected chairman of Lagos Mainland. Speaking after the event, he promised to focus on development and thanked voters in his area for backing him.

With the certificates now distributed, attention turns to how the incoming officials will deliver on campaign promises and manage grassroots governance in the coming years. The elections and the formal confirmation of winners are seen as another step in Lagos State’s democratic process at the local level.