By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has unveiled a reviewed draft of the State Independent Electoral Law, paving the way for a robust legal framework to guide the conduct of the 2026 local government elections across the state.
Presenting the draft law to election stakeholders at the weekend in Lokoja, the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Mamman Eri, said the review was designed to align Kogi’s electoral process with the provisions of the National Electoral Act, 2022.
Eri explained that the new framework was modeled after the national guidelines governing the conduct of Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasizing that any election conducted outside the provisions of the Electoral Act would be rendered invalid.
“Kogi State is the first in the federation to fully review its electoral law in conformity with the Federal Electoral Act, 2022. This positions our law as a model for other states to emulate.
“We must adhere strictly to the electoral timeline to avoid litigations and ensure that our mandate—to deliver free, fair, and credible council elections—is achieved,”Eri declared.
The KOSIEC boss cautioned political parties against fielding multiple or controversial candidates for the same position, noting that such practices had previously undermined the credibility of local government polls in the state.
“Parties with duplicated or disputed candidates risk being disqualified from the 2026 council elections,” he warned, urging all political actors to respect timelines for nomination and substitution of candidates.
Eri called for the collaboration of political parties, civil society organizations, and the media to strengthen public confidence in the state’s electoral process.
Responding to concerns raised by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) about election funding, Eri encouraged them to champion advocacy for the timely release of funds to the Commission as stipulated in the new law.
“We urge civil society in Kogi State to take the lead in pushing for prompt funding of the Electoral Commission, in line with statutory provisions,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that stakeholders at the meeting made a number of recommendations, including an extension of the tenure of local government chairmen, enhanced inclusion of persons with disabilities, and stronger safeguards for the independence of the electoral body.
A legal practitioner, Barr. Bamidele Suru, who reviewed the new framework, highlighted its key provisions and urged electoral officers to resist political interference.
“Officials must remain professional and detached from undue political influence, whether from within or outside government, to safeguard the integrity of the Commission,” Suru cautioned.
Suru disclosed that under the revised law, KOSIEC would now have the power to recruit and train its own staff, while also being statutorily entitled to 1% of the state’s total revenue and 10% of local government revenue to guarantee adequate funding, particularly in the critical months preceding the elections.
He noted that the National Assembly is currently reviewing the national Electoral Act, with possible amendments expected before the 2027 general elections.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
