By Abraham Abubakar
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mamman Nda Eri, on Wednesday, called on all stakeholders to prioritise peace, transparency and inclusivity ahead of the state’s local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Speaking at a critical stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, Eri described the poll as a collective responsibility that goes beyond the Commission.
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The election will cover 21 local government areas, 239 wards and 3,508 polling units.
“The success of an election is not the responsibility of the Electoral Commission alone. It is a collective responsibility,” Eri said. “KOSIEC may conduct the election, but the quality, peace and credibility of the process depend significantly on the conduct and cooperation of every stakeholder.”
He stressed that the Commission’s objective is to deliver a peaceful, credible, transparent, inclusive and acceptable election in line with the Electoral Act 2026, the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law and related guidelines. The Commission, he insisted, will maintain a level playing field and will not favour any party or candidate.
Eri particularly appealed to political parties and candidates to compete vigorously but responsibly, educate their supporters, obey electoral rules and avoid actions that could generate tension.
He urged them to use lawful channels for any grievances rather than turning polling units into arenas of violence or intimidation.
He commended security agencies for their cooperation so far and called on personnel deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and respectful. “An election lasts for one day, but Kogi State belongs to all of us every day,” he said.
The Chairman used the forum to restate that persons with disabilities, women, young people and other vulnerable groups must not be excluded. He also charged the media to provide accurate, balanced information and avoid misinformation or inflammatory reporting that could heighten tension.
Traditional rulers and civil society representatives echoed the call for peace and higher voter participation.
High Chief, Joseph Ojo Oshagbemi, representing the Obaro of Kabba, warned against those who might seek to stir tension. “We live in the same place and share many common interests. Elections will come and go, but the people and the communities will remain,” he said, urging rejection of false claims that the election had already been decided.
The Gbaru of Ozugbe, HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Shaibu, and Comrade Hamza Aliyu of KONGONET, highlighted the challenge of low public awareness with just days to the poll.
They linked weak trust in government partly to experiences from the 2023 general election and urged stakeholders to mobilise communities so that the local government election becomes a turning point. Voter turnout, they noted, is essential for legitimacy.
Hon. Bar Bamidele Suru praised the financial and operational independence of KOSIEC under the current administration, describing it as a model for other state electoral commissions. He said the Commission operates without undue executive interference, complies strictly with the law and has refused to exclude parties facing internal crises from the ballot.
“Other states are looking at what we are doing in Kogi and taking lessons from our experience,” he stated.
In his response, Eri thanked the speakers for their constructive contributions, particularly on mobilisation and the need to rebuild public trust. He noted that the Commission had only nine months to prepare when the current leadership assumed office and had deliberately understudied other state commissions to improve its systems.
He also appreciated legal and technical support received, stressing the Commission’s determination to conduct the election strictly according to law.
The meeting brought together political parties, candidates, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, persons with disabilities, women and youth groups, and government representatives. Stakeholders were encouraged to raise remaining concerns openly so that outstanding issues could be resolved before Election Day.
As the countdown to October 17 continues, KOSIEC and its partners have reiterated that the ultimate goal remains an election in which the people of Kogi State can freely exercise their democratic rights in an atmosphere of peace, security and confidence.
