Major roads across Lagos State were largely deserted on Saturday as residents turned out to vote in the local government elections. The Nigeria Police had earlier announced a restriction of movement from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to ensure a peaceful and secure exercise.

Newsmen observed that key routes such as Otedola Road, Ojota, and Yaba experienced no vehicular or pedestrian movement. In the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), only a few people and vehicles were seen along Ogunusi Road in Ogba and around the Berger bus stop.

A section of the road near the Berger pedestrian bridge was blocked by a security patrol vehicle, with motorists redirected to use the expressway.

Accredited voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are expected to elect chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors across the 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is conducting the elections across 13,325 polling units in 376 wards. With an estimated population of over 20 million, Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial hub, contributing significantly to federal revenue and hosting the headquarters of many top corporations.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) currently holds political control of the state. However, it remains to be seen whether the outcome of the grassroots elections will alter the state’s political dynamics.