The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced that local government elections across the state will be held on October 17, 2026.
The commission’s chairman, Mr. Nderi Mamman, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.
According to Mamman, preparations are already underway to conduct the chairmanship and councillorship elections in all 21 local government areas and 239 wards of the state.
He explained that the notice of election was issued in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires the publication of an election notice no later than 360 days before the scheduled date.
“On October 24, the commission will release a detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 local government elections,” Mamman said. “This will include dates for the conduct of party primaries, submission and publication of candidates’ lists, the commencement and end of campaigns, and other pre-election activities.”
He emphasized that only political parties duly registered and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be allowed to sponsor candidates for the election, in line with the provisions of the law.
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Mamman urged all political parties, aspirants, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the Electoral Act 2022 and KOSIEC guidelines to ensure a free, fair, and credible process across the state.
Some stakeholders who attended the meeting commended the commission for releasing the election notice early. They also called for increased voter education and public enlightenment to boost participation and ensure transparency during the exercise.
