By joshua 
CHRCR Urges SIEC to Ensure Level Playing Field as Kogi LG Campaigns Kick Off May 20
The Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, CHRCR, has called on the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, to strictly adhere to its timetable and ensure a level playing field for all parties ahead of the October 17 local government elections.
In a statement issued May 20, 2026, CHRCR Executive Director Idris Miliki Abdul noted that campaigns officially commence on May 20 in line with the 2026 elections timetable and the Kogi State Electoral Law 2025 as amended. He said clarity of process, credibility of the schedule, and stakeholder confidence were critical for free, fair, and credible polls.
The group urged SIEC to provide an enabling environment for all participating parties and candidates, and called on political actors to conduct themselves according to the law. It warned against inflammatory statements and reminded stakeholders that elections are contests, not a do-or-die affair.
CHRCR also called on Governor Usman Ododo to release the necessary resources to SIEC under the 2025 electoral law to allow timely preparations, including procurement and other logistics. Citizens were encouraged to engage meaningfully through charters of demand during the campaign period.
The organization appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and provide adequate security before, during, and after the elections, and urged the media to uphold professionalism and avoid misinformation.
“Election is not a do-or-die. It should be ballot, not bullet,” the statement read.