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  • KOSIEC Announces 2026 Local Government Council Elections in Kogi State

    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.

  • Kogi Electoral Law Aligns with INEC Act for Credible 2026 LG Polls – Mamman Eri

    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