KOSIEC confirms Kogi LG election results, urges winners to embrace accountability

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has officially confirmed the results of the 2026 Local Government Council elections held across the 21 local government areas of the state on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda-Eri, announced this in a statewide broadcast following the receipt and verification of official election returns from the authorised Returning Officers.

Nda-Eri said the exercise covered all 21 local government areas and 239 electoral wards, describing the election as another important step towards strengthening democracy and bringing governance closer to the people at the grassroots.

He explained that the Commission had received and verified the official results submitted by the Returning Officers after the completion of voting, counting, and collation at designated centres.

According to him, the Commission’s responsibility was to provide a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process that allows citizens to freely choose their representatives.

“Our responsibility as an electoral management body is not to decide who wins or loses, but to provide a fair, transparent and credible process through which the electorate can make their choices,” he stated.

The KOSIEC chairman confirmed the successful candidates as duly returned by their respective Returning Officers in accordance with applicable electoral laws and guidelines.

He added that detailed results, including the names of successful candidates, their political parties, and their respective local government areas and electoral wards, would be made available through the Commission’s official communication channels.

Congratulating the successful candidates, Nda-Eri reminded them that their victory at the polls should be regarded as a call to service rather than an opportunity for political celebration.

He urged the elected chairmen and councillors to demonstrate humility, fairness, and accountability while prioritising the welfare and development needs of their respective communities.

According to him, the electorate has entrusted the successful candidates with its hopes and aspirations, making it imperative for them to justify the confidence reposed in them through purposeful leadership.

He also commended candidates who did not emerge victorious for participating in the democratic process, urging them to respect legitimate electoral outcomes and pursue any grievances through lawful channels.

“Democracy thrives not only when we win elections, but also when we respect the rules, accept legitimate outcomes and pursue grievances through lawful means,” he said.

The Commission’s chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing the institutional support that enabled KOSIEC to discharge its statutory responsibilities during the electoral process.

He also commended security agencies, political parties, candidates, election observers, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the conduct of the elections.

Nda-Eri equally praised the management and staff of the Commission, including Commissioners, Electoral Officers, Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, and ad hoc personnel, for their dedication and sacrifices. He thanked the people of Kogi State for participating in the elections and exercising their democratic rights.

As the electoral process concludes, Nda-Eri appealed to political leaders, party supporters, and residents of the state to maintain peace, remain law-abiding, and work together towards the development of Kogi State.

ALSO READ: Ibadan: Fire destroys property worth millions of naira at Bodija market

He emphasised that elections should not be treated as conflicts between enemies, but as democratic contests among citizens with a shared future.

“Political parties may differ in ideology and approach, but our collective responsibility remains the peace, unity and development of Kogi State,” he said.

The KOSIEC chairman noted that while the elections had produced representatives for the various local government areas and electoral wards, the more important task ahead was to build stronger communities and improve the living conditions of residents.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process and strengthening grassroots democracy in the state.