Kogi State Electoral Law 2025 will usher new phase of electoral integrity, peace, development at the grassroots – Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, KOSIEC Chairman.

Kogi State Electoral Law 2025 will usher new phase of electoral integrity, peace,
development at the grassroots – Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, KOSIEC Chairman.

The State Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, has made an appeal to the State House of Assembly to
give the bill seeking to repeal the State Electoral Law 2004 and Enact the State Electoral Law 2025,
the urgent legislative attention it deserves.

Hon. Eri who also double as Chairman Forum of State Independent
Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON),
made the appeal at the 2025 Kogi State House of Assembly Public Hearing on the Bill to repeal the State Electoral Law 2004 and Enact the State Electoral Law 2025.

Hon. Eri’s PRESENTATION was TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL DUTIES,
LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE, GOVERNMENT HOUSE ADMINISTRATION,
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND JUDICIARY.

The Chairman described the bill as not just a repeal and re-enactment, said it is a renewal; a
recommitment to grassroots governance, to constitutional order,
and to the democratic future of Kogi State.

“Let history record that this Assembly and this Administration
ushered in a new phase of electoral integrity, peace, and
development at the grassroots”.

The SIEC Chairman described the bill as a matter of great importance to the democratic development of Kogi State, said when enacted the new Local will help regulate the conduct of local
council elections in Kogi State, described the initiative as not just timely, but necessary.

Hon. Eri pointed out that the bill is a renewal; a
recommitment to grassroots governance, to constitutional order,
and to the democratic future of Kogi State.

“Let history record that this Assembly and this Administration
ushered in a new phase of electoral integrity, peace, and
development at the grassroots”.

The State Chairman urged for the Conduct of stakeholder engagements to ensure participatory lawmaking, and ultimately, pass this bill into law to empower.

He further added that KOSIEC is charged to conduct credible, free, and fair local elections, described the Commission as an independent
body, having constitutional flavour, under paragraph 11 of
Part II of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as
amended).

He said added that the Commission and is established pursuant to the provisions of
sections 197(1)(b) and 198-205 of the Constitution, added that the sections have been adopted stritu-sensu to ensure compliance with section (1)(3) of 1999 Constitution
dealing with supremacy of the Constitution.

The proposed 2025 law, Hon. Eri says seeks to fill the critical gaps of modernizing the electoral legal framework to align with the Electoral Act 2022 at the federal level, Contemporary best
practices in election management, owing to the increasing demand
of the people for credible and timely elections at the
grassroots.

The objectives of the proposed 2025 Local Government Electoral Law will, Hon. Eri explained is to establish a clear legal timeline for local government elections,
in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Similarly, he said it would ensure autonomy and independence of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) in line with
national and international standards as well as
strengthen provisions for voter education, candidate
nomination, political party participation, and dispute
resolution.

Similarly, the law he further added seeks the Introduction of technology where feasible, enhance
transparency and accountability in the conduct of local
council elections, as well as promote inclusiveness by ensuring the participation of
women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the
electoral process.

The SIEC Chairman described Local Government as the closest tier of
governance to the people, said the quality of leadership at that level directly affects basic services delivery, rural development,
and community wellbeing.

By enacting the new law, Hon. Eri said the Lawmaker’s are not merely passing
legislation, they are laying the foundation for Stronger institutions, More accountable leadership, And a revitalized trust in the democratic process.

The SIEC Chairman said the 2025 Law when passed will bring the state’s legal framework into
compliance with:
Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria (as amended), The Electoral Act 2022, particularly as it relates to notice of elections, voters’ Eductaion, and the use of technology in elections.

He added that it will also define 360-day minimum notice for local elections
before the expiration of tenure of elected local officials, in line
with constitutional interpretation and the need for proper
planning.