Epe Local Government Area, comprising Eredo LCDA, Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA, and Epe LGA itself, still reflects the APC’s strong presence in grassroots politics.
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Administratively, the area has witnessed the re-election of key figures Akogun Wale Raji, Ismail Monsuru Akinloye, and Princess Surah Animashaun , all of whom secured a second term in office.
However, despite the area’s population nearing half a million, voter turnout in the most recent local government election was significantly low. This underscores a growing sense of political disengagement among the populace. While the APC may still appear dominant on the surface, its ability to connect meaningfully with the electorate appears to be eroding.
In the 2023 presidential election, over 160,000 residents were registered to vote in Epe, but only slightly more than 30,000 were accredited with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
This sharp drop in actual participation is particularly striking in a region where the ruling party has long maintained overwhelming control and where opposition forces remain weak and largely ineffective.
According to field reports, opposition parties continue to struggle for relevance in the area, making little to no visible impact. Yet, despite this advantage, the APC has found it difficult to translate its structural strength into voter turnout across its administrative zones.
This pattern suggests a detachment from the community and a departure from the grassroots-centered politics that once solidified the party’s influence.
The figures from the 2023 elections further reinforce this concern. Fewer than 20,000 votes were recorded in the presidential election, and just under 30,000 in the governorship election — numbers that fall well below expectations for such a politically significant constituency.
These outcomes highlight a pressing challenge: both the ruling party and the community at large must do more to rebuild trust, rekindle civic interest, and drive meaningful voter engagement.
Without these efforts, future victories may lack the legitimacy that comes from active public participation.
In the recently concluded local government elections, Princess Surah Animashaun was re-elected with 34,819 votes, while her closest rivals from the Labour Party and PDP managed only 675 and 1,535 votes respectively.
In Eredo LCDA, Ismail Monsuru Akinloye secured 25,017 votes, defeating his PDP challenger who garnered just 424. Similarly, in Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA, Akogun Wale Raji was returned to office with 18,508 votes.
While these victories point to continued dominance, the low turnout behind them raises important questions about political enthusiasm and the need for more robust voter outreach.
Unfortunately, the low voter turnout was observed across all parts of Lagos during last Saturday’s poll. It is evident that the situation is not unique to Epe Local Government but reflects a broader issue in Lagos, where APC members depend on their past achievements to win elections rather than engaging in active mobilization when it matters most.
At the same time, Epe is evolving in a different and more positive direction. Beyond politics, the region is gaining momentum as a growing center of development and economic activity.
Once known primarily for its fishing culture and rich traditions, Epe is now shifting its focus toward modernization and inclusive growth.
There has been a deliberate move toward leveraging public-private partnerships to unlock the area’s economic potential.
Local authorities are actively courting private investors across key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, real estate, and technology.
Simultaneously, government initiatives are addressing lingering infrastructural challenges , from rehabilitating roads to improving healthcare delivery and strengthening education.
This forward-looking approach is gradually transforming Epe from a quiet rural outpost into a strategic player in Lagos State’s development narrative.
With its prime location, rising population, and leadership now more receptive to collaboration, Epe is poised to play a vital role in shaping the social and economic future of the state.
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