EApril 1, 2026
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, has reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct peaceful and credible Local Government Elections scheduled for October 17, 2026, stressing that security remains the backbone of the electoral process.
Speaking at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Lokoja, Hon. Eri emphasized that elections are the cornerstone of democracy, but their credibility depends largely on a strong and coordinated security framework. He commended the professionalism of security agencies and urged all stakeholders to uphold impartiality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
“Without adequate security, the integrity of the electoral process can be compromised, and public confidence eroded,” he said, highlighting key priorities such as identifying flashpoints, safeguarding electoral personnel and materials, and ensuring voters can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.
In a press interview after the meeting, Hon. Eri explained that the session was the first in a series of engagements with security agencies ahead of the elections.
“We’re here to synergize and prepare for the election coming up on the 17th of October. Whatever we do concerning elections, security is just the beginning. Before the election proper, we’ll have two or three other meetings,” he said.
On preparedness, the KOSIEC chairman disclosed that out of twelve critical items on the commission’s checklist, nine have been completed, with political campaigns expected to commence in May. He also dismissed speculation about possible election boycotts, noting that no political party has formally communicated such intentions to the commission.
Adding his voice, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, clarified that election security operations would be handled strictly by federal security agencies.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security consists only of federal security agencies. Vigilante groups, hunters, and other auxiliary forces will not be involved in monitoring or providing security during the elections,” CP Kankarofi stated.
He assured the public of the police command’s readiness to provide adequate security before, during, and after the elections, noting that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have mapped out strategies to tackle potential threats and ensure a peaceful atmosphere across the state.
“We are fully prepared to secure the electoral process. Our officers will be deployed strategically to identified flashpoints, and we will work closely with sister agencies to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials,” he said.
He further urged political actors and citizens to conduct themselves peacefully, stressing that the police will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the elections.
“The credibility of the elections depends on the conduct of all stakeholders. We call on political parties, candidates, and supporters to abide by the rules. The police will remain neutral, professional, and firm in enforcing the law,” he added.
With both the electoral commission and security agencies aligned, there is growing confidence that the October 2026 elections in Kogi State will be conducted in a secure, peaceful, and credible manner, reflective of the will of the people.
