The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) has scheduled local government elections for October 19, 2024.
This decision follows the Supreme Court judgment on July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to local government administrations.
The Apex Court ruled that local governments should receive their allocations directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation, deeming caretaker committees unconstitutional.
On July 5, 2024, the Kogi State House of Assembly extended the tenure of Transition Committee Chairmen by six months, following a request from Governor Usman Ododo.
At the first stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, Mamman Nda-Eri, presenting the election timetable, confirmed the October 19 date for the election.
He assured all political parties that the council election process would be inclusive, transparent, and compliant with electoral laws.
Mamman Nda-Eri emphasized that the timetable and election activities align with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and the authority granted to the state Independent Electoral Commission.
A comprehensive schedule of activities has been prepared 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. In the timetable made available, each candidate for the counsellorship election is expected to deposit N100,000 to the commission while 250,000 is to be deposited by the Chairmanship candidate.
“Similarly, anyone who has been dismissed from the public or civil service of the Federation or a state or local government area or private employment is not qualified to contest for any of the positions.
“Also, anyone who has been found guilty of an offence involving narcotic drugs or any other psychotropic substance by any court in Nigeria or tribunal in Nigeria or any other country cannot view fo any of elective position in the Election,” he stated.
While soliciting the continued support and collaboration of stakeholders for the successful conduct of the election, the SIEC Chairman urged the political parties to strictly adhere to the rules of the game.