LG Poll: Youth Party Slams Lagos Electoral Commission Over Alleged Intimidation Of Candidates

The Youth Party has accused commissioners of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) of intimidation and unprofessional conduct during a screening exercise, alleging that officials threatened to arrest party representatives.

The controversy erupted when LASIEC commissioners reportedly requested Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for all 20 party nominees and insisted on original copies of academic certificates during the screening process—requirements the party claims were never mentioned in the official invitation letter.

The incident has raised serious concerns about electoral fairness and due process in Lagos State’s local government elections.

Ayodele Adio, the Youth Party’s chairmanship candidate who was threatened with arrest during the incident, described the commissioners’ conduct as “completely unacceptable and undemocratic.”

“When it was time for the screening, they suddenly demanded PVCs for all our nominees and original certificates, but none of this was in their letter to us,” Adio told reporters. “When we politely pointed out that these requirements weren’t communicated beforehand, they became hostile and aggressive.

They started yelling at us and threatening arrests simply for asking legitimate questions about their procedures. This is not how an electoral commission should conduct itself in a democracy.”

Additionally, Mr. Adio stated that “If electoral officials can threaten candidates with arrest for asking basic procedural questions, what message does that send to young people who want to participate in governance? This kind of intimidation has no place in our democratic process,” Adio added.

The threats reportedly extended to other party candidates, including vice chairman candidate David Oyebanji and councillor candidate Jamiu Ayinde, who were also present during the screening exercise. According to Mr. Oyebanji, the commissioners’ behavior created a hostile atmosphere that violated basic principles of administrative fairness and electoral neutrality.

Consequently, the Youth Party is calling for immediate action to address what it describes as gross misconduct by LASIEC commissioners. The party has demanded a public apology, investigation into the officials involved, and disciplinary action against those responsible for the alleged intimidation.