By Alfa Smith
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has confirmed that all political parties duly registered and recognised by INEC are eligible to participate in the upcoming local government elections, provided they comply with the commission’s guidelines and timelines.
KOSIEC Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri, made this disclosure during a news briefing in Lokoja, ahead of the scheduled Saturday, October 17, 2026 elections.
He stressed that the commission’s procedures are transparent, inclusive, and anchored in the law, with no intention to exclude any legally registered party.
Mr. Eri urged political parties to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines, engage constructively with the commission, and conduct their activities responsibly to ensure credible elections.
He noted that compliance with statutory timelines remains critical, explaining that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) failed to produce valid primary election results within the required period.
Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) did not conduct legitimate primaries in accordance with Sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act 2022.
Out of the nineteen registered political parties in the state, only twelve met the stipulated compliance requirements, he said.
Mr. Eri emphasised that KOSIEC would not treat violations of electoral law lightly, reiterating the need for strict adherence to legal provisions.
He highlighted that compliance is essential for building a credible democratic framework at the local government level and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent local government elections in Kogi State.
