The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has set October 19 as the date for local government elections across the state. This decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling declaring the caretaker committees running local government affairs illegal. Consequently, the Federal Government announced that allocations to these local governments without elected officials would be withheld, as the joint allocation account committee is no longer legally recognized.
During the first stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, Commission Chairman Mamman Eri stated that the decision aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and the powers vested in the state Independent Electoral Commission. Eri assured stakeholders that a comprehensive timetable of activities has been prepared to ensure a transparent, fair, and credible electoral process.
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"We assure you that these activities have been designed with utmost consideration for inclusivity, transparency, and adherence to electoral laws," Eri said. The timetable stipulates that each candidate for the councillorship election must deposit N100,000 with the commission, while chairmanship candidates must deposit N250,000. Additionally, individuals dismissed from public or civil service, or found guilty of narcotics or psychotropic substance offenses, are disqualified from contesting.
Eri expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and collaboration in organizing and completing the local government elections in the state, emphasizing the importance of a fair and inclusive electoral process.
