A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Usman Okai, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure fairness and equitable representation in the ongoing creation of new electoral wards in Kogi State.
Okai, in a statement issued on Friday, urged the commission to strictly follow established legal and administrative guidelines in carrying out the exercise.
He said factors including population density and geographical landmass should be adequately considered to ensure that no part of the state is disadvantaged.
The ADC chieftain particularly called for fair representation for Kogi East, which he described as the most populous senatorial district with the largest landmass in the state.
“The ward-creation exercise must adhere strictly to established legal and administrative parameters, including population density and geographical landmass,” Okai said.
He warned against an arrangement that could leave any of the three senatorial districts—Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West—at a disadvantage.
“There is no justification for excluding Kogi East, the most populous region with the largest landmass in the state, from the exercise,” he added.
Okai urged INEC to remain impartial and conduct the exercise in a manner that reflects the interests of the entire state.
“INEC leadership should act as impartial public servants for the entire state rather than favouring a single zone,” he said.
He also called for a comprehensive review of the proposed ward-creation arrangement before its implementation, stressing the need for all relevant demographic and geographical factors to be considered.
According to Okai, a transparent and equitable process would strengthen public confidence in the electoral system and promote unity among the people of Kogi State.
He appealed to political leaders and stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to support an inclusive process that would ensure fairness and balanced representation.
Kogi State comprises three senatorial districts—Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West.
Kogi East has nine local government areas, while Kogi West comprises seven and Kogi Central has five.
