The Lagos State Police Command has announced a significant adjustment to the previously scheduled restriction on movement ahead of the highly anticipated Local Government elections slated for Saturday, July 12, 2025. The revised order now limits vehicular and waterways movement from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, a modification from the initial 3:00 am to 3:00 pm timeline earlier communicated.
The clarification was made in a statement released on Thursday by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who explained that the shift in timing was to address genuine concerns raised by members of the public, especially those with medical emergencies, scheduled international travel, and other essential engagements.
“To alleviate the problem of residents with critical medical emergencies and appointments, and those with long-time international travel plans in and out of the country, the restriction of vehicular movement is hereby readjusted,” Hundeyin stated. “It will now commence at 6:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025, and not from 3:00 am as earlier announced.”
Hundeyin urged Lagosians to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and adhere to the revised timing, assuring them of adequate police deployment to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The elections, which will take place across the 20 constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), are being closely monitored by stakeholders following increased public interest in grassroots governance and service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has restated the command’s commitment to a secure, credible, and orderly election, urging residents to report any suspicious activity or potential electoral violations.
“The Nigeria Police Force in Lagos will not tolerate any disruption of public peace or acts that may undermine the electoral process. We remain committed to providing a secure environment where voters can exercise their civic duties without fear or intimidation,” CP Jimoh affirmed.
For prompt security-related assistance, the police command has provided emergency hotlines: 08063299264 and 08065154338, encouraging citizens to report incidents and suspicious behavior promptly.
The adjustment has been lauded by civil society groups and electoral observers, who noted that access to emergency healthcare and airport travel are fundamental rights that should not be impeded, even during elections. The decision is expected to reduce tension and boost voter turnout, especially among those who had been concerned about early-morning mobility restrictions.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has also confirmed readiness for the election, noting that materials and personnel will be deployed early enough to ensure a seamless process across all polling units. Political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition groups, have intensified final mobilisation efforts, with campaigns wrapping up on Thursday.
Stakeholders are calling for transparency, inclusivity, and security as key factors in delivering an election that reflects the will of the people. Several civil society organisations have deployed observers across the state to monitor voting, collation, and result declaration.