By Abubakar Abraham
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), has given a further insight into why certain political parties would not be featured on the ballot papers in the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for October 17, 2026.
According to the organization, it cleared 12 political parties to participate in the Local Government Elections, while invalidating the primary elections conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) over non-compliance with electoral laws.
KOSIEC disclosed that while 12 parties have fully complied with the Commission’s requirements and timelines, other parties remain in default and are excluded from the polls because they failed to regularise their processes in line with the Electoral Act and KOSIEC regulations.
KOSIEC had issued a detailed press statement addressing concerns over the recognition of political parties ahead of the scheduled local government elections on October 17, 2026.
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In the statement signed by Chairman Mamman Eri, KOSIEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2025, and relevant judicial precedents.
The Commission emphasised that all political parties duly registered and recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remain eligible to participate, provided they comply fully with KOSIEC’s guidelines, timelines, and statutory requirements.
“There is no policy or intention to exclude any duly registered political party,” the statement declared, stressing transparency and inclusivity in its processes.
KOSIEC had earlier issued the Notice of Election in October 2025, providing the mandatory 360-day advance notice as required by law, formally kicking off preparations for chairmanship and councillorship polls across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.
However, following investigations into party submissions for primaries and related activities, KOSIEC identified significant non-compliance issues with several parties, leading to decisions not to recognize certain primaries as valid.
For the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Commission noted a request for extension of time dated January 12, 2026, citing ongoing litigation and a judgment on leadership.
Despite this, PDP failed to provide requested documents, including the court judgment, records of congresses, and proper ratification. The request was also improperly signed by the Chairman and Legal Adviser rather than the required Chairman and Secretary. Citing violations of sections 82(1)(4) and 83(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, KOSIEC stated it cannot reorder statutory timelines without a direct court order involving the Commission.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), presented conflicting communications from factions led by Kingsley Ogga and Sunday Maiyaki. Neither faction supplied required evidence of valid congresses, conventions, 21-day notices to KOSIEC, or democratically elected executive lists as mandated by section 82 of the Electoral Act.
One submission even used an incorrect party name (“Africa Democracy Congress” instead of “African Democratic Congress”), which KOSIEC described as potentially calamitous if adopted for ballot materials.
As a result, primaries from both factions were deemed invalid under sections 82, 83, and 29 of the Electoral Act.
Similarly, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) had submissions from factions led by Ahmed Attah/Idris Sofada and Hon. Moses Peter. The Attah faction referenced a court judgment, but KOSIEC found it decided on technical grounds without addressing merits and without involving KOSIEC or INEC as parties.
The other faction’s letters were ambiguous, lacked proper co-signatures, and failed to demonstrate compliance. Consequently, SDP primaries were not recognized as valid.
In its conclusion, KOSIEC stated it had no option but to refuse recognition of primaries from SDP and ADC due to failure to produce legitimate executive committees under sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act. For PDP, absent valid primaries within statutory timelines and no binding court order, the Commission cannot deviate from established rules.
The statement underscored KOSIEC’s independence from INEC while adopting relevant provisions of the Electoral Act through the KOSIEC Law 2025. It urged all parties to strictly comply with requirements for congresses, primaries, and notifications to build strong democratic structures at the local level.
KOSIEC called on political parties to engage constructively, adhere to guidelines, and conduct activities peacefully. It reiterated its dedication to reflecting the true will of the people and appreciated cooperation from the media and stakeholders.
The elections, covering chairmen and councillors in 239 wards, remain on track for October 17, 2026, with KOSIEC pledging unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
