By joshua Kogi LG Poll: KOSIEC Chairman, Observers Laud Peaceful Conduct, Massive Turnout
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, and members of electoral observer teams have commended the peaceful conduct and massive voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s Local Government election across the state.
Hon. Nda Eri, who spoke while monitoring the exercise in Lokoja, said the Commission remains committed to protecting every valid vote and ensuring that votes count.
He assured political parties, candidates and voters of the Commission’s neutrality, stressing that KOSIEC will remain impartial in the discharge of its mandate.
The KOSIEC Chairman acknowledged complaints from some quarters but dismissed unverified allegations circulating on social media, which he described as untrue and misleading. According to him, some of the parties making allegations failed to meet the requirements to participate in the election.
He noted that electoral bodies are often accused of favouring certain interests, but assured that the Commission will do its best to demonstrate impartiality, transparency and credibility throughout the process.
Nda Eri disclosed that the Commission will not close polling units at the 3:00 p.m. deadline if voters are still on queue, assuring that everyone on the queue will be allowed to vote.
He described the turnout as impressive and encouraging, attributing it to sustained voter education and effective sensitization of supporters by political parties during the campaign period.
According to him, the election marks the final stage of a process that began about 360 days ago, adding that the exercise is being conducted strictly in line with the Commission’s approved timetable and guidelines.
He urged eligible voters who were yet to cast their votes to come out and participate, noting that citizens who refuse to vote have limited moral grounds to complain about the outcome of the democratic process.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Associate Professor Joseph Aremo, said members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECOM) were in Kogi for a peer review mission.
Aremo said the delegation is in the state to assess compliance with the Electoral Act, Kogi State Electoral Law and KOSIEC’s established guidelines.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of voters and the atmosphere at polling units visited, describing the exercise as peaceful and orderly with encouraging turnout.
According to him, as at the time of assessment, the delegation had not recorded any casualty nor witnessed incidents of shooting, vote buying or ballot box stuffing in the areas visited.
He also commended the professional deployment and conduct of security personnel, including the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other sister agencies.
Aremo said the experience underscores the need for electoral commissions to deepen voter education, noting that an informed electorate is essential for the survival and growth of democratic institutions.
He urged winners to be magnanimous in victory by carrying opponents and other stakeholders along, while encouraging those who lost to accept the outcome in good faith and prepare for future contests.
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship candidate for Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulrahman Hussaini, popularly known as Gentle, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing adequate security and creating a conducive atmosphere for a free and fair exercise.
Hussaini expressed confidence in his chances, saying his supporters turned out massively to demonstrate solidarity with the APC and the administration of Governor Ododo.
He pledged to prioritize security, empower women in business and promote educational development if elected, while expressing optimism that the state government’s efforts to improve access to water will benefit Lokoja and other parts of the state.