KOSIEC, observers commend peaceful conduct of Kogi council elections

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) and independent election observers have commended the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s local government elections across the state, citing encouraging voter turnout, improved security arrangements and active participation by residents.

The KOSIEC Chairman, Mamman Nda-Eri, gave the commendation during an assessment of the exercise, assuring voters that the commission was committed to protecting their votes and ensuring that the final results reflected the choices made at the polling units.

Nda-Eri described the turnout recorded at polling units visited as impressive, adding that the commission had adhered to its electoral timetable and remained committed to concluding the exercise in line with the law.

He explained that although voting was scheduled to end at 3 p.m., voters who were already in the queue at the official closing time would be allowed to cast their ballots.

The KOSIEC chairman also dismissed allegations circulating on social media concerning the electoral process, attributing some of the claims to political parties that were not participating in the election because they had failed to meet the stipulated requirements.

He, however, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to impartiality, stressing that every effort would be made to safeguard the credibility of the exercise.

According to him, the election marked the culmination of preparations that began approximately 360 days earlier and represented the final phase of the commission’s 13-point electoral timetable.

Nda-Eri attributed the encouraging voter turnout partly to voter education and engagement with political parties, urging residents to take advantage of the democratic process to elect leaders at the grassroots.

He noted that participation in elections remained essential to strengthening democracy, adding that eligible voters who chose not to participate would have limited grounds to question decisions made by those who exercised their franchise.

Visiting Electoral Officials Assess Exercise

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Joseph Aremu, said he and other members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria were in Kogi State to conduct a peer-review assessment of the election.

Aremu explained that the delegation was examining the extent to which KOSIEC had complied with the Electoral Act, the Kogi State electoral law and the commission’s electoral guidelines.

He said the assessment was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedures adopted by KOSIEC and identify lessons that could strengthen electoral administration in other states.

Describing the polling units visited as peaceful and orderly, Aremu commended the turnout and voter education initiatives undertaken ahead of the election.

He said observations from the monitored locations indicated that the exercise was progressing smoothly, with voters participating in the chairmanship and councillorship contests.

The Ondo electoral commission chairman also praised the deployment of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies.

He noted that the absence of reported casualties, shootings, ballot stuffing and vote buying in the areas visited was encouraging.

Aremu urged electoral commissions across the country to intensify voter education and adopt measures that would promote peaceful and credible elections.

He also called on successful candidates to embrace inclusive governance by carrying their opponents and their supporters along, rather than using electoral victory as a basis for political exclusion.

He advised candidates who did not win to accept the outcome peacefully and prepare for future elections, stressing that elected leaders must recognise that their mandate comes from the people.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulrahman Hussein, popularly known as “Gentle”, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as the provision of adequate security and an enabling environment for a free and fair election.

Hussein expressed confidence in his chances of victory, attributing the large crowds he observed at polling units to residents’ support for his party and the governor.

He said he expected the APC to emerge victorious at the end of the exercise and thanked voters for turning out to participate in the election.

The candidate also outlined his priorities for Lokoja Local Government Area, identifying security, support for small-scale businesses and improved educational opportunities as key areas he would address if elected.

He acknowledged that inadequate water supply remained a major challenge in Lokoja metropolis, expressing optimism that ongoing government interventions would help improve the situation.

Hussein further pledged to support efforts to improve environmental sanitation in the state capital, particularly in communities experiencing waste-management challenges.

He said his proposed administration would prioritise a cleaner environment, improved security and initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities for residents.

APC Records Victory in Upake Ward

In a related development, a report from Upake Ward in Ajaokuta Local Government Area indicated that APC candidates won the chairmanship and councillorship contests announced for the ward.

According to the report, the APC secured 196 votes, while the Labour Party and the African Democratic Party recorded one vote each. Two ballots were declared invalid.

The report identified Hon. Haruna Muhammed Ganaja as the winning chairmanship candidate and Hon. Simon Ado Adubazi as the elected councillor for the ward.

Security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the NSCDC and other security agencies, were deployed to polling units in Lokoja to maintain law and order throughout the exercise.

Reports from monitored locations described voting as orderly, with voters urged to comply with electoral guidelines and avoid any conduct capable of disrupting the process.

The commendations by KOSIEC, visiting electoral officials and other stakeholders highlighted the importance of peaceful participation, transparent vote counting and respect for the will of the electorate.

The commission maintained that its priority was to ensure that eligible voters exercised their constitutional rights and that the final results accurately reflected the votes cast.