JUST IN: Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission reveals date for local govt elections
Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) on Tuesday officially announced October 19, 2024, for the conduct of chairmanship and councilorship elections across the 21 local government areas in the state.
The Chairman of KOSIEC, Mallam Mamman Nda-Eri, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja
He stated that the State Independent Electoral Commission, established under Section 197 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and empowered by Kogi State Government, via the Local Government Elections Law 2004, and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
“We diligently this comprehensive Timetable and Schedule of Activities to ensure a transparent, fair, and credible electoral process.
“We assure you that these activities have been designed with utmost consideration for inclusivity, transparency, and adherence to electoral laws.
“As such we present the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities, to you all as critical stakeholders, for your review and approval.
“We appreciate your continued support and collaboration to the successful organization and completion of the 2024 Local Government Elections in Kogi State by the grace of God.
“In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the powers vested in the SIEC).
“I hereby formally present the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the conduct of the 2024 Local Government Elections in Kogi State which will be scheduled for 19th October, 2024 by the grace of God,” Nda-Eri said.
He noted that collection of forms by political parties from SIEC would be August 5 to 12, while the conduct of primaries including dispute resolutions is from August 13 to 23.
The commission’s chairman added Aug 26, will be the last day for forms submission, while verification and document will hold between September 4 to 12.
He added: “The campaigns by political parties will commence on Sept 13, and end on October 17, while election holds on Octopus 19”.
The leaders of various political parties and other stakeholders in their separate comments, commended KOSIEC for the scheduled LG polls, and urged the commission to ensure a free, fair transparent and credible election processes.
The stakeholders commended the Supreme Court judgement granting full autonomy to the local governments as the third tier of government, adding that it would engender grassroots development.
On his part, the Deputy Commandant Nigerian Security and Civili Corps (NSCDC) Kogi Command,, Bala Bodinga, assured tge commission of the total support of the corps to ensure adequate security in all the election processes.
“All that it requires to make sure we have a valid election seems to be one of the national issues, and we consider it very critical as security agencies to ensure adequate protection.
“Let me assure you of the commitment of NSCDC Commandant, Kogi State Command, CC Paul Igwebuike, of our most valid support both Kinetic and non kinetic with the most systematic and scientific collaboration and synergy to ensure that the process is achieved,” Bodinga said.
