A two-time deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Safuratu AbdulKarim, on Saturday said the All Progressives Congress means well for the country.
AbdulKarim, who recently defected to the APC, said this during the Lagos State local government areas election in Badagry.
She said her decision to join the APC was because they meant well and showing it via their performance.
“Looking well, my defection based on performance has been vindicated,”
Commenting on the election, AbdulKarim said there was no opposition in Badagry, adding that majority of the people are APC members.
“Opposition parties have accepted their fate in Badagry.” she said.
She commended the women in the area for coming out en mass to cast their votes.
NAN reports that the Lagos state council poll held in 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.
According to LASIEC, 15 out of the 18 registered political parties are contesting in the election.
Voting in the ongoing local government elections in Lagos State has been described as peaceful and orderly, with a fair turnout recorded at the Ikosi International Fruit Market.
Mr. Sola Olugungboye, Secretary of the Ikosi International Fruit Market, told journalists on Saturday that traders turned out en masse to perform their civic duty.
He commended the electoral officers for maintaining order and ensuring a smooth process.
“So far, voting has been peaceful. All our sellers are fully involved and have come out to vote. There’s no disruption, and everything is moving well,” Olugungboye said
When our correspondent visited the market-based polling unit, a large crowd of onlookers and observers were seen making videos, cheering, and enjoying the atmosphere as they awaited the close of voting scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Our correspondent also observed a queue of accredited voters waiting to cast their votes.
Among the voters was an 84-year-old, who identified herself as the Iyaloja (market leader) of the fruit market.
She said she had cast her vote earlier in the day and was determined to wait until votes were counted.
“I have voted. I will stay here and see that they count our votes. This is our duty as citizens,” she said in Yoruba.
The local government elections, organised by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, are being held across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. The exercise will determine the next set of chairmen and councillors responsible for grassroots governance in the state.
The elections, which began at 8:30 a.m., are expected to end by 3:00 p.m., after which counting will commence at each polling unit.
Despite concerns raised about voter apathy in other areas of Ikosi, about voter apathy, signs the market suggest increased engagement from residents and traders.
However, a full assessment of turnout across the state remains to be seen as the process concludes.
LASIEC has assured Lagosians of a free, fair, and transparent election.
An agent of the All Progressives Congress, Alli Olugbenga, has raised alarm over incidents of voters demanding money before casting their ballots in Saturday’s local government elections in Lagos State.
Olugbenga, who is stationed at Ward C, Kosofe Local Government Area, told The PUNCH that he encountered several residents who refused to go to polling units unless they were paid.
“They want me to pay them before they come out and vote. It’s wrong. It’s their civic right. They should not sell their vote. We’ve been going from house to house, begging people to come out, but many say they won’t vote unless they are ‘settled’,” he said.
At Polling Unit 028 in Ward C, where 106 voters are expected, only two had cast their votes as of mid-morning.
APC party agents there said they had been calling known voters and waiting patiently since 8:00 a.m.
“We have called some people and we are still waiting for them,” one agent said.
The situation was similar at Polling Unit 029, also in Ward C, where just six out of 160 registered voters had shown up by 11:33 a.m.
Despite the low turnout, officials described the process as peaceful, with agents from different parties cooperating and voters behaving orderly.
A PDP agent, however, expressed disappointment over the apathy.
“Everybody has been at home. No one is coming to vote. I’m frustrated,” she said.
At Polling Unit 015, also in Ward C, only about 20 voters out of 928 had cast their votes as of midday.
An electoral official described the process as peaceful but noted that many residents appeared reluctant to vote.
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission is conducting the elections across 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, aiming to fill critical grassroots leadership positions.
But once again, low voter turnout remains a major concern, particularly in Ikosi-Isheri and other parts of Kosofe LGA.
A prominent figure and Board of Trustees member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has openly accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of actively undermining the party’s established system and working in concert with the ruling All Progressives Congress.
George’s remarks came during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, where he addressed the persistent internal crises plaguing the opposition party.
George described Wike as a “loose cannon” whose actions are detrimental to the PDP’s cohesion and future prospects.
He highlighted the party’s structured system, emphasising that all committees, including reconciliation efforts led by figures like Bukola Saraki, ultimately report to the National Executive Committee.
The NEC, according to George, holds the ultimate authority second only to the national convention.
The PDP chieftain revealed that the party’s inability to convene a NEC meeting for an extended period contributed significantly to the ongoing “shenanigans.”
He cited a dispute concerning the party’s secretary, who contested for governorship without resigning, as a key factor that stalled NEC meetings.
However, George confirmed that the party has now resolved these procedural hurdles, with a crucial NEC meeting slated for July 23rd.
“He seems like he’s very much the loose cannon of the party that’s hell-bent on destroying it. In fact, he seems to have succeeded on some levels, working hand-in-hand with the APC,” George asserted, directly implicating Wike in efforts to destabilize the PDP.
He stressed that individuals of Wike’s status, being a member of the Board of Trustees, cannot simply be “fired” but must be held accountable through the party’s established processes.
The upcoming NEC meeting is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the PDP, where all outstanding issues, including those related to Wike’s alleged anti-party activities, will be tabled for discussion and resolution.
George expressed optimism that adherence to the party’s constitution and the collective will of its members would prevail, leading to a much-needed rebirth and strengthening of the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
The member representing Surulere 1 Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Desmond Elliot, says the Permanent Voter Card remains a proof of civic responsibility, rather than a measure of party loyalty.
Elliot said this shortly after casting his vote at Onitolo Nusery/ Primary School, Unit 009, in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Lagos State Government is conducting elections for chairmanship and councillorship positions across all 20 local government areas and 37 local development council areas.
“PVC does not mean voting for my party. It means exercising your civic responsibility,” he said.
According to him, it’s unfair for individuals to seek government support without contributing to the democratic process through voting.
“You can’t sit at home and later come to seek help from people who others sacrificed to vote into power,” he said.
Elliot described the turnout of the election as slightly low but expressed optimism that more voters would show up as the day progressed.
The lawmaker noted that local government elections should attract more participation than presidential polls due to their direct impact on daily life.
“Development begins at the grassroots level. With powers and revenue now devolved to local governments, this election holds significant importance.
“The outcome of this election will have a direct impact on the lives of citizens, making it crucial for voters to exercise their franchise wisely and elect leaders who will prioritise their needs and drive development in their areas,” he said.
He advocated increased public discussion about the responsibilities of local governments, highlighting their critical role in primary healthcare, market management, and maintenance of inner roads.
‘They want to rig’ — Ex Deputy Gov calls for cancellation of Lagos LG polls
The lawmaker commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission for the orderly conduct of the election.
The headquarters of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission in Yaba witnessed tight security on Saturday as the state conducted its local government elections.
A News Agency of Nigeria political correspondent at the LASIEC office reported a strong presence of security personnel, including a commendable number of police officers stationed at the premises.
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services were also present, positioned in their respective operational vans.
Vehicular movement on the street leading to the LASIEC office was restricted, with roadblocks mounted at both ends to control access and ensure order.
Elsewhere in Badagry, similar security measures were observed, with personnel from the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps deployed to maintain peace and order.
There was high compliance with the restriction of movement in the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area of the state as voters were peaceful in their conduct.
NAN reports that the usually bustling streets of Mosan-Okunola, located in the Alimosho area, were quiet as of 9a.m., with only security personnel, electoral officials, and a few accredited observers seen moving around.
Major roads such as Abesan Gate Road, Akowonjo Road, and the Ipaja-Ayobo axis were deserted, while shops, markets, and motor parks remained closed.
Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators also stayed off the roads in compliance with the directive issued by the Lagos State Government.
Security agencies, including officers of the Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, were stationed at strategic locations to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order.
Residents who spoke to NAN commended the level of compliance, noting that it would help ensure a smooth electoral process.
A voter, Mrs Bosede Akinwale, said: “I am happy people are obeying the movement restriction. It shows that we are becoming more conscious of the importance of orderly elections.”
The police had earlier announced that movement would be restricted across the state from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to facilitate the conduct of the Saturday council elections in the state.
NAN reports that the LASIEC is conducting elections into 20 constitutionally recognised local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas.
The election is currently underway across the 57 council areas and 376 electoral wards in the state.
Banjoko Ibidunni became the first person to cast her vote at Ward D, Orile, in the Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area of Kosofe LGA, Lagos State, at exactly 10:28 a.m. on Saturday, well over two hours after voting was expected to begin.
“I call on all youths to come out. We cannot sit back at home and complain. Let’s exercise our civic rights,” she said in an interview with Punch Online.
Our correspondent observed that some voters only began arriving at the polling unit around 9:00 a.m., after struggling to locate it.
One of them said they had to call the ward councillor for directions due to the absence of signage or officials to guide them.
“I had to call the councillor before we could even find the polling unit,” a resident said.
Ibidunni, who had been waiting patiently for hours, finally cast her vote without incident. Electoral officers arrived late, contributing to the delayed commencement of voting.
An electoral officer at the unit told The PUNCH that they were expecting 77 registered voters at the polling unit, but only four had shown up as of 10:35 a.m., when our correspondent left the scene. There was no queue at the unit at the time.
Although the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission had assured voters of early starts across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, late deployment of officials and materials was reported in multiple locations.
The local government elections are expected to produce chairmen and councillors who will lead grassroots governance efforts for the next term. However, low voter turnout, logistical delays, and general apathy have been recurring issues across the state.
Voting was still ongoing at Ward D as of the time this report was filed.
The late arrival of the party agents has stalled the voting processes at some polling units in the Lagos State local council election in Ketu-Agboyi on Saturday.
Also, there was a low turnout at the polls as officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission waited endlessly for registered voters to arrive.
It was gathered that the LASIEC officials arrived at the polling units early but patiently waited for the agents of the political parties for the voting exercise to commence.
At the Polling Unit 002, Ward C, situated at 21, Agidi Road, under Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, four registered voters were present while the LASIEC officials said it was only the All Progressives Congress agent who was around as at 9:00am.
The presiding officer, Mrs Stella Emmanuel said, “We’re patiently waiting for other party agents for us to start the voting exercise.”
No party agents had arrived at the PU 008, Ward A on Ajiboye Street, under Agboyi-Ketu LCDA by past 9:00 am.
The electoral commission official, Mr Adesina Akeem, noted that the absence of the party agents would negatively affect the exercise.
At the PU 028, Ward B, on 20 Oluwakemi Street, the Labour Party and APC agents have arrived, but no voters have visited to perform their civic duties.
Meanwhile, the party agents from APC and the Peoples Democratic Party were present at the PUs 030 and 050, located at numbers 20 and 6 on Fadiya Street, respectively, and on PU 052, Ward A, located at Adisa Akintoye Street.
Popular actress, Iyabo Ojo, has responded to her colleague, Liz Anjorin, via a video post, stating that she should be held responsible if anything happens to her or any member of her family. This comes as Ojo has been fighting different battles, and receiving threats received.
Earlier in the week, her office in Lagos was engulfed in a fire but no causalities were involved. Her daughter, Priscilla, then stated online that the fire incident was only a part of other events that had been a threat to her and her family. Priscilla also noted that her mother, Iyabo, had received a threat letter in May that insinuated that her movement and that of her daughter were been monitored.
Also responding, Iyabo took to her Instagram page on Thursday, July 10, 2025. In a lengthy post, she corroborated her daughter’s account of the threat she allegedly recieved, stating that certain people were continuously trying to kill her and destroy her family.
The post read in part, “Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation, it is important to state that a few days before my daughter’s wedding in Tanzania, I received a letter threatening my life at my office. The letter explicitly stated that I would go through hell in the next three months”
Less than 24 hours after her response, her colleague, Lizzy Anjorin, announced the dismissal of the N1bn lawsuit. Her post got the attention of Iyabo, who later responded in a now-deleted video with the caption, “If anything should happen to my children or my kids, hold Lizzy Anjorin responsible… we haven’t started any case yet… that was just ADR, case never start.”
In the video, Iyabo explained that if anything happened to her or any of her loved ones, Anjorin should be held responsible. She further explained that although the case wasn’t a court case but stated that it was part of an Alternative Dispute Resolution process, which had not even begun properly.
In a more shocking turn of events, social media personality, Martins Otse, aka VDM, responded to the statement posted by Iyabo. He stated that her post was a shock to him, while also implying that he knows more than what was said, but would remain silent in respect of the actress.
A farm worker died on Friday after being injured during a raid by US immigration agents on a legal cannabis farm in California that resulted in the arrests of 200 undocumented migrants and clashes with protestors.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, called demonstrators involved in attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “slimeballs” and said they should be arrested.
In another development, a district judge ordered a halt to “roving patrols” in Los Angeles by federal agents who were detaining suspected undocumented migrants without probable cause and denying them due process.
District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong ordered an end to the arrests, which she said were being made “based upon race alone,” on whether a person was speaking Spanish or English with an accent or because of their place of work and ordered them stopped.
Trump’s remarks and the court order come a day after a chaotic raid on a cannabis plantation in Ventura County some 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Los Angeles, left one farm worker critically injured.
The United Farm Workers labour union said in a post on X on Friday that the worker had “died of injuries they sustained as a result of yesterday’s immigration enforcement action.”
Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman, said the man who died was never in custody.
“Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a green house and fell 30 feet (10 meters),” McLaughlin said. “(Customs and Border Patrol) immediately called a medivac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible.”
The DHS said 200 undocumented migrants were arrested during raids on marijuana growing sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo on Thursday, and 10 children were rescued “from potential exploitation, forced labour, and human trafficking.”
Glass House Brands, which owns the farms, said in a statement that it has “never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”
DHS said more than 500 “rioters” had attempted to disrupt the operation and four US citizens are facing charges for assaulting or resisting officers.
Tear gas was used against the protestors, some of whom were seen in television footage throwing projectiles at law enforcement vehicles.
The department said immigration agency vehicles were damaged and a $50,000 reward was being offered for the arrest of an individual who allegedly fired a gun at law enforcement officers.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had watched footage of “thugs” throwing rocks and bricks at ICE vehicles, causing “tremendous damage.”
Trump said he was authorising law enforcement officers who are “on the receiving end of thrown rocks, bricks, or any other form of assault, to stop their car, and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary to do so.”
“I am giving Total Authorisation for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public,” he said.
Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to deport millions of migrants, has been involved in a showdown over immigration enforcement with Democratic-ruled California for weeks.
The Republican president sent thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles last month to quell protests against roundups of undocumented migrants by federal agents.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the troops were not necessary to address the mostly peaceful protests, but his legal efforts to have them removed have failed so far.
The cannabis farm in Camarillo was calm during a visit by an AFP reporter on Friday as workers waited in line to collect their belongings and paychecks.
“We’ve been here since six this morning asking questions but they’re not giving us any information,” said Saul Munoz, a 43-year-old Colombian whose son was detained on Thursday.
“I just want to know how he’s doing,” Munoz said. “Bring him back to me and if it’s time for us to leave, we’ll leave.
“The truth is the American dream is no longer the American dream.”
