Kogi State Holds Local Government Election Across 21 Councils
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has conducted local government chairmanship and councillorship elections across the 21 local government areas of the state, with voters participating in the exercise to elect representatives at the grassroots level.
The election, held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, covered 239 electoral wards and 3,508 polling units across the state. The exercise was organised to elect local government chairmen and councillors who will oversee governance and represent residents at the community level.
The KOSIEC Chairman, Mamman Nda Eri, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, describing the process as peaceful and orderly. While monitoring the exercise in Lokoja Local Government Area, he noted that voters were exercising their civic responsibilities amid security arrangements put in place to maintain law and order.
Reports from some polling units indicated that voting commenced in the morning, with election materials arriving on time in certain locations. Voters were also reported to have conducted themselves peacefully during the exercise.
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Joel Salifu, who voted in Ofu Local Government Area, also expressed satisfaction with the voting process, describing it as smooth and transparent. He commended KOSIEC for its handling of the exercise and encouraged eligible voters to participate in the democratic process.
Ahead of the election, the Kogi State Police Command had announced enhanced security measures, including the deployment of personnel across the state and increased surveillance in identified areas of concern. The measures were intended to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials throughout the exercise.
The local government election represents an important aspect of grassroots democracy, as elected chairmen and councillors are expected to address community needs, support local development and improve service delivery.
As the electoral process progresses, attention remains on the collation and announcement of results, which will determine the candidates elected to lead the state’s local government councils.
The conduct of the election also highlights the importance of peaceful participation, transparency, accountability and respect for electoral procedures in strengthening democratic governance across Kogi State.
