The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced October 17, 2026, as the official date for the next local government elections in the state.
Chairman of the commission, Mamman Nda Eri, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Lokoja, where he formally issued the Notice of Election in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, 2022.
“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 appointed date,” Eri said.
According to Eri, the elections will cover the offices of Chairmen across the 21 Local Government Areas and Councillors in 239 electoral wards of Kogi State.
He explained that the decision was taken in accordance with the powers vested in the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2025.
Eri also announced that a detailed election timetable and schedule of activities, including party primaries, submission and publication of candidates’ lists, campaign period, and other pre-election activities, will be made public on Friday, October 24, 2025.
“Only political parties duly registered and recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be eligible to sponsor candidates in the 2026 elections,” he stated.
He urged all political parties and aspirants to strictly comply with the electoral timetable and relevant laws to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election across the state.
The KOSIEC chairman recalled that the current local government chairmen and councillors were sworn in on October 23, 2024, for a two-year tenure as provided by the state electoral law.
He assured that the Commission had already begun preparations to ensure that the 2026 polls are conducted transparently and in line with national electoral standards.
“We will work with security agencies, civil society, and political actors to ensure that the 2026 local government elections reflect the will of the people of Kogi State,” Eri added.
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