KOSIEC Intensifies Voter Education, Seeks Royal Support Ahead of October 2026 Elections

January 22, 2026.

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has intensified its voter education campaign across the three senatorial districts of the state ahead of the October 17, 2026 Local Government Elections, with advocacy visits to traditional institutions and engagement with political stakeholders.

The sensitisation tour, led by the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, alongside other Commissioners and members of the management team, was aimed at educating voters on proper voting procedures, strengthening stakeholder collaboration and securing royal blessings for a peaceful and credible election.

Speaking at the various meetings, Hon. Eri urged political office holders and parties to strictly comply with the provisions of the newly enacted Kogi State Independent Electoral Law, 2025, noting that the gazette is available online for public access.

He also explained the election timetable in detail, demonstrating voting procedures and stressing that the Commission would not alter the schedule for any reason. According to him, all stakeholders must align their activities with the Commission’s timeline and ensure that voter education messages are cascaded to grassroots communities.

At the palace of the Attah of Igala, His Royal Majesty, Matthew Alhaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, the KOSIEC delegation was received by the Council of Chiefs, where the Ohiomogbolo Attah, Chief Emmanuel Onucheyo, who represented the monarch, offered prayers and royal blessings for the successful conduct of the elections. Hon. Labaran Oyigebe, Member representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro in the Commission, thanked the palace for the warm reception and prayed for sustained peace and unity in the kingdom.

In Ebiraland, the Ohinoyi, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ahmed Tijani Anaje, received the delegation and pledged continued support for KOSIEC’s activities, commending the Commission for engaging traditional institutions in the electoral process. The Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Muhammed Usman, expressed appreciation for the monarch’s accessibility and goodwill.

Similarly, in Kabba, the Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, represented by the Obadofin of Oweland, Chief Olusegun Are, applauded KOSIEC’s operational planning and described the Commission as capable of delivering a credible election.

A community leader and politician in Kabba, Hon. Alfred Bello, commended KOSIEC for sustaining public confidence in the electoral system, noting that political parties have continued to present candidates and show readiness to participate in the forthcoming elections. He urged the Commission to remain guided by the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

In Okene, the Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Enesi Ahmed Nuhu, praised the voter education initiative and assured the Commission of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s compliance with the new electoral law and support for public sensitisation efforts. The party’s candidate in the area, Bello Tijani, also pledged to take the campaign to the grassroots.

At each stop, Hon. Eri presented copies of the 2025 Electoral Law, voter education pamphlets and the 2026 election timetable to stakeholders as part of the awareness campaign.

Modupe Adegboro
PRO
KOSIEC