Kogi Announces October 19 for Local Government Elections

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has scheduled the local government elections for October 19.

This decision follows the recent Supreme Court ruling declaring the caretaker committees running local governments illegal. Consequently, the Federal government announced it would withhold allocations to local governments without elected officials, as the joint allocation account committee is no longer recognized under the law.

During the first stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, Chairman Mamman Eri stated that the election date was set in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and the powers vested in the state Independent Electoral Commission.

Eri mentioned that a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities have been prepared 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. In the timetable made available, each candidate for the councilorship election is expected to deposit N100,000 to the commission, while N250,000 is to be deposited by the chairmanship candidate.

“Similarly, anyone who has been dismissed from the public or civil service of the federation or a state or local government area, or private employment, is not qualified to contest for any of the positions.

“Also, anyone who has been found guilty of an offense involving narcotic drugs or any other psychotropic substance by any court in Nigeria or tribunal in Nigeria or any other country cannot vie for any elective position in the election,” he stated.

Eri appreciated the continued support and collaboration for the successful organization and completion of the local government election in the state.