LOKOJA, Nigeria (FN) — The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced that local government elections will be held across the state on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Chairman of the commission, Mamman Nda Eri, made the announcement Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, where he formally issued the Notice of Election in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.
Eri said the decision was backed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025.
“This notice is hereby published in compliance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates the Commission to publish a notice of election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election,” Eri stated.
The elections will cover the offices of Chairmen in the 21 Local Government Areas and Councillors in the 239 Electoral Wards across Kogi State.
Eri also announced that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities — including party primaries, submission and publication of candidates’ lists, campaign periods, and other pre-election processes — will be released on Friday, October 24, 2025.
He emphasized that only political parties registered and recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be eligible to sponsor candidates, in line with existing laws and guidelines.
The chairman urged all parties, aspirants, and stakeholders to comply strictly with the electoral timetable and legal frameworks to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections. He noted that the current local government officials were sworn in on October 23, 2024, for a two-year term.
