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Tag: KOSIEC

KOSIEC Releases Timetable for 2026 Kogi Local Government Elections
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has released the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 Local Government Council elections across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
According to the timetable signed by KOSIEC Chairman, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, the elections are scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The Commission, exercising its powers under Section 197 (1)(b) and Paragraph 3 of Part II of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025, outlined key pre-election activities leading up to the polls.
The notice of election, as stated in the timetable, was issued on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires such notice to be given not later than 360 days before the election date.
Political activities are set to commence on Friday, October 24, 2025, followed by party primaries and the resolution of related disputes between Monday, November 10, and Sunday, December 12, 2025.
Between Monday, December 15, and Friday, December 19, 2025, political parties are expected to collect nomination forms from the Commission’s headquarters, while the submission of candidates’ lists will take place from Monday, January 5, to Friday, January 9, 2026.
The screening and publication of candidates’ particulars (Form EC9) will hold between Friday, January 16, and Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during which the personal details of aspirants will be displayed at KOSIEC’s headquarters and local government offices across the state.
Hon. Eri emphasized that all dates in the timetable are subject to adjustment as circumstances may require, provided any changes remain within the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, assuring stakeholders, political parties, and voters of a level playing field throughout the electoral process.
The KOSIEC Chairman also urged political parties to strictly adhere to the Electoral Act and the Kogi State Electoral Law in their preparations, stressing that compliance is vital to achieving credible and peaceful elections.
Eri called on all stakeholders — including security agencies, civil society groups, and the media — to sustain their collaboration with the Commission to ensure the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible local government elections in 2026.
October 25, 2025
KOSIEC Announces 2026 Local Government Council Elections in Kogi State
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has officially announced the conduct of the 2026 Local Government Council Elections across the state.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by KOSIEC Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri, during a press briefing held at Riverton Hotel, Lokoja. Eri said the declaration was made in compliance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025, which mandate the commission to publish a notice of election not later than 360 days before the scheduled date.
“This notice is in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the Commission to issue a notice of election at least 360 days before the date appointed for the polls,” Eri stated.
He explained that both the Electoral Act and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law empower KOSIEC to conduct elections into the offices of Chairmen for the 21 Local Government Areas and Councillors for the 239 Electoral Wards across the state.
Eri also revealed that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 elections would be released soon. He emphasized that only political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be eligible to sponsor candidates in the exercise.
“We advise political parties, aspirants, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timetable, the Electoral Act, and KOSIEC guidelines to ensure free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections in Kogi State,” he added.
The KOSIEC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness, stressing that early publication of the election notice was part of efforts to enhance preparedness and foster stakeholder confidence.
Representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and Police, attended the event. They expressed readiness to collaborate with the Commission in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Eri further urged media organizations and non-governmental bodies to support voter sensitization campaigns ahead of the polls, noting that citizens’ participation remains vital to democratic governance at the grassroots level.
The announcement marks the formal commencement of the 2026 local government election process in Kogi State, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive contest among political parties and candidates.
October 22, 2025
Kogi Electoral Law Aligns with INEC Act for Credible 2026 LG Polls – Mamman Eri
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mamman Nda Eri, has described the newly signed Kogi State Local Government Electoral Law as a progressive step toward achieving free, fair, and credible local government elections in 2026.
Eri made the remark during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by KOSIEC on Friday in Lokoja, where he revealed that preparations were already underway for the conduct of the elections next year.
According to him, the new law is designed to strengthen the electoral process at the grassroots level by ensuring that elections are transparent, inclusive, and consistent with national electoral standards.
“The stakeholders’ gathering allows us to showcase the new 2025 electoral law that will guide us in conducting the elections,” Eri stated. “It is an opportunity for all participants to familiarize themselves with the framework that will shape a more credible and transparent electoral process in Kogi State.”
Eri emphasized that the new Kogi Electoral Law is in synergy with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act, which will help address issues related to voter registration, candidate nomination, and election management at the local government level.
He noted that the law also clarifies the tenure of local government officials and the procedures for their election, ensuring consistency with the broader national electoral framework.
“By aligning with the INEC Electoral Act, Kogi State can enhance the legitimacy and credibility of its local government elections, which will ultimately promote good governance at the grassroots,” he added.
Eri further explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to outline the activities leading up to the elections and to ensure that all relevant actors understand their roles in fostering transparency and public confidence in the process.
He reaffirmed KOSIEC’s commitment to conducting elections that reflect the will of the people, promising that the commission would continue to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness throughout the electoral process.
“Stakeholders should begin sensitizing citizens on the new electoral law, the importance of voter participation, and the need for peaceful conduct during the elections,” Eri urged.
The meeting, which focused on the review of the new Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law (2025) and the role of stakeholders, was attended by representatives from political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media.
With the enactment of the new electoral law and the ongoing preparations, KOSIEC appears set to deliver transparent and credible local government elections that align with both state and national standards in 2026.
electoral reforms
October 19, 2025