Kogi Local Government Election: KOSIEC Reviews Guidelines, Prepares for Polls

The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Hon. Mamman Nda Ari, has said the State Local Government Electoral Law signed into law recently is to enhance a free, fair and credible next Local Government elections in 2026. The SIEC Chairman disclosed this on Friday in his address at the meeting with stakeholders […]

The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Hon. Mamman Nda Ari, has said the State Local Government Electoral Law signed into law recently is to enhance a free, fair and credible next Local Government elections in 2026.

The SIEC Chairman disclosed this on Friday in his address at the meeting with stakeholders in Lokoja.

He told the stakeholders, comprising various political parties, civil society organisations , traditional rulers, security agencies and other interest groups that the preparation towards local government election is at the top gear .

According to KOSIEC chairman, the new law is being aligned with the INEC Electoral Act is to ensure that conduct of election to the local government is credible free, fair, and transparent .

He added that the law is expected to address concerns on the issues around electoral process, voter registration, candidate nomination, and the overall management of Local Government elections.

Also, he stressed further that the new law is to provide clarity on the tenure of local government officials and the procedures for their election.

“By aligning with the INEC Electoral Act, the state may be able to improve the legitimacy and credibility of its local government elections, potentially leading to more effective governance at the grassroots level.

“KOSIEC remains committed to transparency that will provide a level playing field for all the political gladiators and their parties.”

“This stakeholders gathering will allow us to showcase the new 2025 electoral law that would guide us in the conduct of the elections.”

“This meeting is sacrosanct so that every stakeholder will have a say in making a timetable for the elections.’

“Stakeholders should as a matter of necessity begin sensitization of our citizens on the new electoral law and the value of the electoral process generally, as well as the need for voters to come out in their large numbers to exercise their franchise”, said Eri

However, the stakeholders raised concern over roles and contempt, including budgetary provision to guarantee the forth coming local government election, since the tenure of the present local government leaderhip is about to wind up.

The chairman of Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina stated that the implementation of the framed up new law by the KOSIEC in alignment with INEC’s provisions may make officials of KOSIEC liable to contempt .

He advised that the document should be given holistic view before being used for the coming local government election to avoid being trapped in the embedded legal implications associated with the new laws .

“It may be difficult for the KOSIEC to implement some of the INEC laws being aligned with to the letter ; several of the clauses may implicate KOSIEC into contempt charges”, said Ozovehe.

Also, the Executive Director of Initiative for Grass-root Advancement (INGRA), Hamza Aliyu Ibrahim raised the issue of budgetary provision that will create enabling environment for the conduct of the election.

“We are not compelled by law to do it , but chose to do it . Am wondering how this election is going to be conducted without a budgetary provision.

“The state government has not presented a supplementary budget to that effect. It may not be feasible to finance the election as being envisaged since there is no budgetary back up, and the tenure of the present local government officials is about to expire”, he said .

The Kogi State Government swore in the present elected Local Government Chairmen on October 21, 2024, two days after the local government election held on October 19, 2024.