The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed October 19 for the local government election.

The election is to contest chairmanship and councillorship seats in the state.

Announcing the date at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Chairman, KOSIEC, Mamman Nda-Eri, also released the timetable for the electoral process.

Mr Nda-Eri said the announcement was made in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“KOSIEC is established under Section 197 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is also empowered by the Kogi State Government, via the Local Government Elections Law 2004, and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). I, hereby, formally present the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2024 Local Government (LG) election in Kogi State. The LG election has been scheduled for 19th of October 2024 by the grace of God,” Mr Nda-Eri said.

According to him, the collection of forms by political parties will be from August 5 to 12, while the conduct of primaries including dispute resolutions is scheduled from August 13 to 23.

He added that August 26 would  be the last day for the submission of forms, while verification of documents would be held between September 4 and 12.

“Campaigns by political parties will commence on September 13 and end on Oct. 17, while the election will be held on October 19. We diligently prepared 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 organisation and completion of the 2024 local government election in Kogi State by the grace of God,” he said.

In separate interviews, leaders of various political parties and other stakeholders at the meeting commended the commission for the presentation.

The stakeholders unanimously hailed the Supreme Court judgment granting full autonomy to the local government as the third tier of government, adding it would engender grassroots development.

Chairperson, Kogi NGOs Network, Idris Muraina and the Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Miliki Idris, called for full compliance with the guidelines as stated.

They urged the citizens to take ownership and monitor the process from beginning to end to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kogi Command, Bala Bodinga, promised the corps’ readiness to provide security support at all stages of the electoral process.

According to him, NSCDC Commandant, Kogi State Command, CC Paul Igwebuike, is committed to making good the promise.

(NAN)