The Coalition of Political Parties in Lagos State (COPPILS) has lamented the high rate of voter apathy in the state, calling for the formation of a tripartite engagement mechanism to address the issue.

The group stressed that the mechanism would involve the state government, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), civil societies, and other relevant stakeholders.

Spokesperson of the coalition, Kola Ajayi, who spoke yesterday, stressed the need for those bodies to strategise on voter education, awareness, and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, there is a need for collective efforts to take urgent steps to reawaken public interest in electoral processes and remind people that voting is not just a right but also a civic responsibility and a tool for change.

Ajayi, who commended LASIEC for the success of the council elections, described the exercise as credible. He also applauded the security agencies for their neutrality and professionalism during the polls.

He urged the successful candidates in the state to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and be magnanimous in victory, saying that true leadership is measured by service and inclusivity.

“The coalition, comprising both registered and deregistered political parties, civil society organisations, and ethnic-based groups, also notes with concern the persistent issue of voter apathy.

“In view of this, we advocate the formation of a tripartite engagement mechanism involving the state government, LASIEC, INEC, NOA, civil societies, and other relevant stakeholders to strategise on voter education, awareness, and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he stated.