The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced October 17, 2026, as the official date for the local government chairmanship and councillorship elections across the state’s 21 local government areas and 239 electoral wards.
Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Nderi Mamman, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Lokoja, assuring political parties and the public that the commission was fully prepared to conduct a transparent, fair, and credible election.
Mamman explained that the issuance of the election notice aligns with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates that election notices be published not later than 360 days before the scheduled date.
He further disclosed that on October 24, the commission will release a detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 elections. The timetable will outline key events, including party primaries, submission of candidates’ lists, publication of nominated candidates, and the commencement and end of campaign periods.
According to Mamman, only political parties duly registered and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be eligible to sponsor candidates, in line with both the Electoral Act 2022 and the KOSIEC Law.
Read also:
- NFF hails smooth conduct of State FA elections
- Ughelli South Political Colonels declare support for APC unity as Sobotie rallies members ahead of 2027 elections
- Local Government elections holds tomorrow, Governor Adeleke insists
“We are committed to ensuring that the 2026 local government elections in Kogi State reflect the will of the people,” Mamman said. “We urge all political parties, aspirants, and stakeholders to strictly comply with the Electoral Act and our guidelines to achieve a peaceful and credible process.”
Stakeholders present at the meeting commended KOSIEC for releasing the election notice early, describing it as a welcome development that allows political parties ample time to prepare. They also called for intensified voter education and public enlightenment to promote active citizen participation and ensure a transparent exercise.
The announcement has already stirred political discussions across Kogi State, as parties and aspirants begin mobilizing for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched grassroots elections in the state’s history.
