The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced plans to conduct the 2026 Local Government Council Elections across the state, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025.
Chairman of the Commission, Mamman Nda Eri, made the announcement on Wednesday during a press briefing in Lokoja, stating that the notice complies with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires a notice of election to be issued at least 360 days before the polls.
Eri said the elections will cover 21 Local Government Chairmanship positions and 239 Councillorship seats across the state. He added that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the elections would be released soon.
He emphasised that only political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are eligible to sponsor candidates and urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to KOSIEC’s guidelines for a transparent and credible process.
“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,” Eri stated.
The KOSIEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, noting that the early publication of the election notice aims to boost stakeholder confidence and preparedness.
Representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies—including the Nigerian Army and Police—attended the announcement and pledged support for a peaceful and credible exercise.
Eri also appealed to media organisations and non-governmental bodies to intensify voter education campaigns ahead of the elections, stressing that active citizen participation is vital to strengthening grassroots democracy.
