Lokoja, February 4, 2026
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has cleared 12 political parties to participate in the Local Government Elections scheduled for October 17, 2026, while invalidating the primary elections conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) over non-compliance with electoral laws.
KOSIEC disclosed that while 12 parties have fully complied with the Commission’s requirements and timelines, other parties remain in default and are excluded from the polls because they failed to regularise their processes in line with the Electoral Act and KOSIEC regulations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and strict adherence to the law, stressing that no duly registered political party is excluded from the electoral process provided it meets established guidelines.
The Commission emphasized that its actions are guided by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022. It further clarified that all political parties registered and recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are eligible to participate in the elections, subject to compliance with stipulated procedures.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of KOSIEC, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, stated that the Commission has no intention of excluding any political party, noting that transparency and fairness remain the cornerstone of its operations.
“The Commission wishes to state clearly that there is no policy or intention to exclude any duly registered political party. Our processes are transparent, inclusive, and firmly rooted in the law. We therefore urge political parties to comply fully with all electoral guidelines and conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly,” Eri said.
The Commission announced that the primaries of the PDP, ADC, and SDP were declared invalid due to various violations of electoral laws.
According to KOSIEC, the PDP failed to conduct its primaries within the statutory timeframe and did not submit required court judgments and congress records despite repeated requests by the Commission.
The ADC’s primaries were invalidated due to unresolved factional disputes and the submission of invalid documentation, including correspondence written under the name of a non-existent political party.
In the case of the SDP, KOSIEC disclosed that two factions submitted notices of primaries, with one faction relying on a court judgment which the Commission ruled as non-binding since neither INEC nor KOSIEC was a party to the suit.
Reiterating its constitutional independence, the Commission warned that notices for congresses, conventions, and primaries must strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, adding that any deviation would attract sanctions.
“KOSIEC shall take compliance very seriously and shall not treat as minor any breach of the extant law, as strict adherence is essential to building a strong and credible democratic structure at the local government level,” Eri added.
KOSIEC commended the cooperation of stakeholders and assured the public of its unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive local government elections that reflect the will of the people.
Modupe Adegboro
Public Relations Officer, KOSIEC
