Lagos LG Poll: Coalition Will Strengthen Democracy – Gbajabiamila

Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, says the coalition of opposition leaders into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a welcome development that would strengthen democracy and prevent Nigeria from sliding into one-party system.

He spoke after casting his vote at the Lagos State local government election in Surulere yesterday, but expressed uncertainty on the prospect of the coalition.

“It’s a welcome development with the coalition. It’s not the first time we’re seeing this. It’s a welcome development.

“In every democracy, we must have some level of opposition otherwise we’ll run into a one-party state. But I’m not sure where it would go,” Gbajabiamila, said.

On the conduct of the LG election, Gbajabiamila who cast his vote at Lagos PU 014 on Elizabeth Fowler Memorial High School in the Adeniran Ogunsanya area of Surulere, described the election as peaceful.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who cast his vote at Polling Unit 006, Ward E, Lagos Island local government area at exactly 11:10 a.m, also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and well-coordinated conduct.

Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu lauded the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for the efficient organization of the polls.

The governor, while fielding questions from journalists, noted that although there were minor logistical issues in the early hours, the issues were swiftly resolved, allowing the election process to proceed smoothly.

Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly RT.Hon Mudashiru Obasa expressed optimism that All Progressives Congress (APC) would win the 20 local government areas.

Obasa who spoke after casting his vote at Ward E5 polling unit, Orile-Agege at about 10.30 a m to the admiration of party members noted that LSIEC has responsibility of conducting free and fair elections and that the outcome of the election will be acceptable.