By Abubakar Abraham
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), convened a significant stakeholders’ meeting at the NUT Hall in Lokoja, marking the formal commencement of activities for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The gathering, aimed at regulating the conduct of the elections and related matters, brought together key dignitaries from various organisations, political offices, security agencies, and traditional institutions.
In his welcome address, Honourable Mamman Nda Eri, Chairman of KOSIEC, underscored the importance of the meeting as a milestone in deepening grassroots democracy in Kogi State. “This gathering is not just a statutory requirement but a moral and civic responsibility to engage critical players in the electoral process,” he stated.
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He highlighted the Commission’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections, emphasising collaboration with political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, persons with disabilities (PWDs), media practitioners, traditional and religious leaders, and development partners.
Hon. Eri announced that KOSIEC had reviewed the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025, to align with the Electoral Act, 2022, and other national electoral frameworks. The review aims to enhance institutional independence, transparency, and public trust in the electoral process.
He outlined that the meeting would present the new electoral framework, clarify stakeholders’ roles, and share the timetable for the 2026 elections.
A consultant was scheduled to guide participants through the key provisions of the new law, followed by an interactive session for feedback and recommendations.
The Chairman reaffirmed KOSIEC’s commitment to impartiality and professionalism, assuring all political parties and contestants of a level playing field. “Together, we can make the 2026 Local Government Elections in Kogi State a model for others to emulate,” he concluded, thanking attendees for their partnership in advancing democracy.
KOSIEC presented a detailed timeline for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with Election Day set for Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Other key activities include: Notice of Election: Issued not later than 360 days before the election, per Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 as well as commencement of Political Activities which includes the official start of election-related activities, as outlined in Sections 13 and 14 of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025.
Also as part of the guidelines, Party Primaries and Dispute Resolution will be conducted by political parties, per Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
There will also be the collection of Nomination forms at KOSIEC Headquarters, while parties are to submit the list of validly nominated candidates to KOSIEC, per Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
In the same light, there will be the public display of candidates’ details (Form EC9) at KOSIEC and local government offices, per Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, while parties will also be allowed to withdraw and replace candidates in accordance with Section 31(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The final list of candidates will be published not later than 150 days before the election, per Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 which will culminate into the commencement of campaign 150 days before the election, per Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Parties are also expected to submit the names of their Agents 30 days before the election, per Section 43(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
A detailed publication of Notice of Poll will be carried out by SIEC in accordance with Section 44 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and campaigns are expected to come to an end 24 hours before Election Day, per Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
On the Election Day proper, the elections will be conducted across all Local Government Councils in Kogi State.
KOSIEC noted that dates are subject to modification within the legal framework of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025.
A major highlight of the event was a paper presentation titled “Dynamism of Electoral Jurisprudence for Democratic Development” by Bamidele O. Suru, an Electoral Attorney.
The presentation emphasised the significance of the 2026 elections in light of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on July 1, 2024, in *AG of Federation vs AG of States of the Federation.
The ruling reinforced the financial and administrative autonomy of local governments, declaring it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds, dissolve councils, or appoint caretaker committees.
Suru noted that this reform addresses systemic issues that have hindered State Independent Electoral Commissions, often leaving their offices dormant post-election. He highlighted Kogi State’s funding provisions for KOSIEC, including 1% monthly deductions and 10% of three months’ revenue from local government councils, to be provided six months before the election.
These measures, he argued, ensure KOSIEC’s financial independence and capacity to conduct credible elections.
The Electoral Attorney urged KOSIEC to maintain fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability, expressing confidence that the Commission would make Kogi State proud by delivering democratically elected councils as mandated.
The stakeholders’ meeting set a strong foundation for the 2026 Local Government Elections in Kogi State, with KOSIEC demonstrating its readiness to uphold democratic principles. The presence of diverse stakeholders, from security agencies to traditional leaders, underscored the collective resolve to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process. As Kogi State prepares for this democratic exercise, all eyes will be on KOSIEC to deliver on its promise of a free, fair, and credible election.
In attendance were representatives from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other service chiefs. Political figures included Hon. Umar Abdulmalik representing Koton Karfe and Hon. Segun representing Kabba/Bunu. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council was also present.
Traditional rulers were well-represented, with delegates standing in for the Obaro of Kabba, the Attah of Igala (represented by the Onu of Igala), and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
