The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has announced October 17, 2026, as the date for the conduct of local government elections across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Mamman Nda Ari, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.

Mr. Ari said both Chairmanship and Councillorship elections will take place simultaneously on the scheduled date, in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the Kogi State Local Government Electoral Law, 2025.

He noted that the elections will cover all 239 electoral wards in the state.

According to the KOSIEC Chairman, a detailed timetable outlining key activities such as conduct of party primaries, submission of candidates’ lists, publication of names, campaign timelines, and other pre-election processes will be released on Friday, October 24.

He emphasized that only political parties duly registered and recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be eligible to field candidates in the poll.

Stakeholders at the meeting commended the electoral body for its early preparations and commitment to credible elections.

They also urged KOSIEC to intensify voter education and training of election personnel to ensure a smooth and transparent exercise across the state.