KOSIEC Releases Timetable for 2026 Local Government Elections

Lokoja, October 24, 2025.

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has officially released the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2026 Local Government Council Elections in the state.

According to the document signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, the elections are slated to hold on Saturday, October 17, 2026, across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The Commission, in the exercise of powers conferred on it by Section 197 (1)(b) and Paragraph 3 of Part II of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025, outlined key activities leading up to the polls.

The timetable indicates that the Notice of Election was issued on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires such notice to be given not later than 360 days before the election date.

The commencement of political activities is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, followed by the conduct of party primaries and resolution of disputes arising therefrom between Monday, November 10, and Sunday, December 12, 2025.

Between Monday, December 15, and Friday, December 19, 2025, political parties are expected to collect nomination forms from the Commission’s headquarters, while submission of list of candidates will take place from Monday, January 5, to Friday, January 9, 2026.

The screening and publication of personal particulars of candidates (Form EC9) is fixed for Friday, January 16, to Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during which the details of all aspirants will be displayed at the KOSIEC headquarters and local government offices across the state.

KOSIEC noted that all dates contained in the timetable are subject to change by the Commission as circumstances may demand, provided such adjustments remain within the framework of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the entire electoral process, assuring all stakeholders, political parties, candidates, and the electorate of a level playing field.

KOSIEC further urged political parties to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Kogi State Electoral Law in their preparations for the election, noting that compliance is key to credible outcomes.

The Commission calls on all stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society groups, and the media, to continue their partnership toward ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible local government elections in 2026.

Modupe Adegboro,
Public Relations Officer, KOSIEC.