Stakeholders Meet in Lokoja as KOSIEC Sets Roadmap for 2026 Local Government Elections

Friday October 17, 2025.

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has officially released the Practical Election Timeline for the conduct of the 2026 Local Government Elections, assuring stakeholders of a transparent, inclusive, and credible process.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the NUT Hall, Lokoja, where the Commission also presented the reviewed Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025, to guide the forthcoming polls.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of KOSIEC, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, expressed appreciation to participants drawn from political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), traditional rulers, religious leaders, media professionals, and development partners.

He described the gathering as “a milestone in the collective journey to deepen democracy at the grassroots level,” emphasizing the Commission’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the 2026 Local Government Elections are free, fair, credible, and inclusive.

According to the timeline released by KOSIEC, the Notice of Election will be issued not later than 360 days before Election Day, in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022. This will be followed by the commencement of political and administrative activities, the conduct of party primaries, and the submission and screening of candidates’ particulars.

The Commission will thereafter publish the final list of validly nominated candidates and officially flag off election campaigns not earlier than 150 days before the election. Political parties are required to submit the names of their accredited agents not later than 30 days before polling day, while campaigns must end 24 hours before voting begins.

The KOSIEC Chairman reaffirmed that all stages of the electoral process will strictly adhere to the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025, to guarantee transparency and accountability. He noted that while the Commission reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to the election schedule, such modifications will remain within the limits permitted by existing legal provisions.

Hon. Eri further disclosed that the review of the KOSIEC Law, 2025 was undertaken to strengthen the institutional independence of the Commission and enhance its operational efficiency.

“Our democracy can only thrive when stakeholders play their roles responsibly and in good faith,” he stated, assuring political parties of a level playing field throughout the electoral process.

He also called for cooperation among all stakeholders to build public confidence and promote peaceful participation ahead of the elections. According to him, partnership and transparency remain central to achieving credible outcomes in the forthcoming polls.

The stakeholders’ meeting featured detailed presentations on the new electoral framework and operational guidelines, as well as an interactive session where participants offered feedback and practical recommendations.

The event formally signaled the commencement of electoral activities for the 2026 Local Government Elections in Kogi State, a process KOSIEC has pledged will serve as a model of grassroots democracy in Nigeria.

Modupe Adegboro,
PRO, KOSIEC.