26 August, 2026.

By Modupe Adegboro

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has commenced a comprehensive training programme for Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers in Lokoja. The programme is part of preparations for the forthcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for October 17, 2026.

The training, themed “Conducting Credible Local Government Elections by Assessing Electoral Jurisprudence as Panacea for Sustainable Democracy”, is facilitated by Equity Promotion Nig. Ltd. and aims to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process in Kogi State.

Declaring the training open, the Chairman of KOSIEC, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to Governor Usman Ododo and development partners for their continued support. He emphasized that the credibility of the elections rests largely on the conduct of officials at polling units and collation centres. He urged them to uphold integrity, neutrality, and professionalism, stressing that they must remain firm yet respectful under community pressures.

Hon. Eri further appealed to political actors to allow officials to discharge their duties without interference, noting that complaints should be channelled through proper mechanisms. He encouraged participants to see themselves as custodians of democracy, protecting the voter’s choice.

Speaking during the workshop, Barr. Bamidele Suru of Equity Promotion Nig. Ltd., the resource person, explained that the training was designed to sensitise officials in line with the new Electoral Act of 2026. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s insistence on credible elections, pointing out that the new three-year electoral tenure will take effect from October 17, 2026.

Suru advised officials to avoid partisanship, warning against association with political parties, campaigns, or partisan activities. He stressed that neutrality and professionalism are essential to ensuring that the elections are not nullified, as has occurred in other states.

Comrade Ojonugwa Brown, Chairman of the Forum of Electoral Officers in Kogi State and Electoral Officer for Ofu LGA, described the workshop as highly beneficial. He emphasized that it would significantly help in tackling unique difficulties faced during field operations. He applauded KOSIEC for organizing the exercise, noting that it would empower Electoral Officers to further mentor ad-hoc staff at both ward and local government levels.

The Assistant Electoral Officer of Yagba East, Hajia Falilat Bismillah, also highlighted the value of the program, stating that it broadened their grasp of the entire electoral procedure. She praised SIEC for establishing a dependable framework to guide their responsibilities.

Likewise, Jacob Ola, Electoral Officer of Ogori/Magongo, characterized the training as rewarding, pointing out remarkable progress compared to previous sessions conducted by SIEC. He expressed gratitude to the Commission for the advancement and pledged to execute his duties as an Electoral Officer with integrity and dedication.

With the cooperation of stakeholders and the commitment of electoral officials, KOSIEC expressed confidence that the 2026 Local Government Elections will be conducted peacefully, credibly, and professionally, thereby safeguarding the democratic choice of the people