KOSIEC Announces Date For 2026 Kogi LG Polls — Political Battle Lines Drawn Early

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has officially fixed October 17, 2026, as the date for the next local government elections in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement was made by the Commission’s Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri, during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Lokoja, where he formally issued the Notice of Election in accordance with constitutional requirements and the Electoral Act, 2022.

“This notice is published in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the Commission to issue a notice of election not later than 360 days before the scheduled date,” Eri explained.

According to him, the elections will be conducted across the 21 Local Government Areas and 239 electoral wards of Kogi State, covering the offices of Chairmen and Councillors.

Eri noted that the decision was taken under the powers granted to the Commission by the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025.

He further revealed that a comprehensive election timetable—including timelines for party primaries, submission of candidate lists, campaign schedules, and other pre-election activities—will be released on Friday, October 24, 2025.

“Only political parties duly registered and recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are eligible to sponsor candidates in the 2026 elections,” he emphasized.

The KOSIEC Chairman appealed to all political parties and aspirants to adhere strictly to the timetable and electoral laws to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.

Eri also recalled that the current local government Chairmen and Councillors were sworn in on October 23, 2024, for a two-year tenure, as stipulated by the state’s electoral law.

He assured that preparations are already underway to deliver a transparent and credible poll, stating, “We are working closely with security agencies, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders to ensure that the 2026 local government elections reflect the true will of the people of Kogi State.”