Lokoja, Nigeria – The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC) has announced October 19 as the date for the local government election across the state. This decision comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court judgment declaring illegal the caretaker committees that had been managing local government affairs.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which declared caretaker committees unconstitutional, the Federal government also announced the withholding of allocations to local government areas without elected officials, citing the invalidation of the Joint Allocation Account Committee under current law.
At the first stakeholders’ meeting held in Lokoja on Tuesday, KSIEC Chairman Mamman Eri assured stakeholders of a transparent, fair, and credible electoral process, conducted in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the commission’s vested powers.
“We have prepared a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities to guide the electoral process. These activities have been designed with utmost consideration for inclusivity, transparency, and strict adherence to electoral laws,” Eri stated.
According to the timetable, candidates vying for counselorship positions are required to deposit N100,000 with the commission, while chairmanship candidates must deposit N250,000. Additionally, individuals dismissed from public or civil service roles, or convicted of drug-related offenses in Nigeria or abroad, are disqualified from contesting any elective position.
Eri expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and collaboration necessary for the successful organization and completion of the local government election in Kogi State.
The announcement of the election date marks a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level in Kogi State, ensuring elected officials are in place to oversee local governance and development initiatives.
