The lawmaker representing Surulere 1 Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Desmond Elliott, has stressed the importance of active voter participation in democratic governance.
He criticized the practice of seeking government assistance while abstaining from the voting process.
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Elliott made these remarks on Saturday after casting his ballot at Unit 009, Onitolo Nursery/Primary School, Surulere, during the local council elections across Lagos.
According to him, individuals who fail to participate in elections have no moral grounds to demand benefits from a system they didn’t contribute to building. “You can’t sit at home and later come to seek help from people who others sacrificed to vote into power,” he said.
While acknowledging that voter turnout appeared low in the early hours of voting, he remained hopeful that more residents would arrive at the polling units as the day progressed.
The lawmaker emphasized that grassroots elections like these hold more direct consequences on the daily lives of citizens than national polls. “Development begins at the grassroots level. With powers and revenue now devolved to local governments, this election holds significant importance,” he noted.
He urged voters to take the exercise seriously, adding that the choices made at the local level will significantly influence policy implementation in communities. “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.
Elliott also called for increased civic education on the responsibilities of local governments, especially in areas like primary healthcare delivery, market management, and road maintenance.
He commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for ensuring a peaceful and orderly process.
