Kogi Sets October 17, 2026, For Local Government Elections — KOSIEC Declares

According to Ireporter Online, 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.

The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Commission, Mamman Nda Eri, during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Lokoja. Eri, who also issued the formal Notice of Election, said the move was in compliance with constitutional provisions and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the publication of election notices not later than 360 days before the scheduled date.

He disclosed that the elections would be conducted for the offices of Chairmen across the 21 Local Government Areas and Councillors in 239 electoral wards within Kogi State. Eri emphasized that the decision aligns with the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act, and the KOSIEC Law, 2025.

The KOSIEC Chairman also revealed that a comprehensive timetable and schedule of election activities—including party primaries, submission and publication of candidates’ lists, campaign periods, and other pre-election procedures—would be released on Friday, October 24, 2025.

He clarified that only political parties duly registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be permitted to sponsor candidates for the upcoming elections, urging all parties and aspirants to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines to ensure a credible and peaceful process.

Eri reminded stakeholders that the current local government chairmen and councillors were sworn in on October 23, 2024, for a two-year term as stipulated by the state’s electoral law. He assured that the Commission had already commenced preparations aimed at guaranteeing transparency and fairness in the 2026 polls.

According to him, KOSIEC would collaborate closely with security agencies, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders to ensure that the elections reflect the genuine will of the people of Kogi State.