By joshua 
Kogi SIEC Chairman, Officially Resumes Office, Says State Has Domesticated Electoral Act 2022
… Council Chairmen, Councillors to serve 3 years as against current two years tenure from 2026.
… Support INEC as it commences Continuous Voter Registration, tasks Kogites to get registered.
The Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, says the State has
domesticated the electoral act 2022, reason why next Council Chairmen and Councillors will serve for three years as against the current two years tenure for the present Chairmen and Councillors.
This is as the Chairman disclosed that the new electoral law will fully come into effect by the next Local Government election that would be held in 2026.
Similarly, the Chairman, called on Citizens of the State to take advantage of the ongoing continuous voter registration that began in the country today to get registered online, or transfer their voters card outside election period.
The State SIEC Chairman made the following disclosures at a Press briefing in his Lokoja office, upon the resumption of office of the newly inaugurated SIEC Council in the State today.
The Chairman observed that earlier before now, Kogi State was working with old electoral law, enacted in 2004, about 21 years ago.
He said domesticating the new law brings in the new electoral act, to align with the electoral procedures.
He disclosed that the new law says whatever INEC does in FCT, should be replicated in the 36 States of the Federation, including the notice of election.
He said before now, notice of election used to be not less than 90 days but now, it is 360 days.
“The new law of Kogi State has 360 days as the benchmark for notice of election”.
The SIEC Chairman cleared the air on the tenure of the present Council Chairmen and Councillors, said under the law in which they were elected, the law stipulates that LG Chairmen and Councillors are to serve for two years.
He however said but with the new law, the next Council Chairmen and councillors will serve three years.
” Since the new law cannot be retroactive, the present chairmen and councillors will end their tenure next year because it was with the old law that they were elected. But subsequently, the tenure will be for three years”.
“We are trying to put things in place so that by the tenure of this particular council Chairmen and Councillors which will end 19th October 2026. We will on or before the 25th of October this year, roll out the notice of election that is going to comply with the new law of 360 days notice that has been passed into law. The law has been captured by the State and we are going to work with’, the SIEC Chairman said.
Hon. Eri who also doubles as Chairman Forum of State Independent
Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), urged Kogites to avail themselves of the continuous voters registration exercise online that began across the country today to register, transfer their voters card outside election period.
The Chairman described his assumption of office alongside other Commissioners of the Commission as a new chapter for the Kogi State Independent Electoral
Commission.
” I am deeply honoured and humbled by the trust reposed in me
and my colleagues to serve in this crucial democratic institution”.
“On Thursday 14th August, I was sworn in alongside seven Commissioners to
serve a fresh five-year tenure. This is my second term as Chairman, and for
four of the Commissioners, it is also a second opportunity to serve”.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for this reappointment, and the Legislative Arm
for its invaluable role in providing the legal framework and oversight that
ensure the Commission operates effectively”.
“I am proud to note that the electoral reforms I championed have now been signed into law, further
strengthening our processes.
It is also a privilege for me to serve as the National Chairman of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), a role that will allow us to share best practices nationwide while remaining fully
committed to KOSIEC’s mandate”.
“Under my leadership, the Commission will continue to be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. We will work to deliver free, credible, and inclusive elections that truly reflect the will of the people”.
“We recognise that this mandate cannot be achieved in isolation; we therefore
call on all stakeholders: political parties, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities, the media, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, and the electorate to join hands with us.
With your cooperation and support, we will strengthen public confidence in
the electoral process, uphold the integrity of our democracy, and build a legacy of elections that Kogi State can be proud of”, the Chairman explained.
On the Ongoing voter registration, “the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) wishes to
express its full support for the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) as it commences the Continuous Voter Registration
exercise on Monday, August 18, 2025”.
“KOSIEC recognises the voters’ register as the foundation of credible
elections and good governance. We therefore urge all eligible citizens
in Kogi State to take advantage of this opportunity to register, update
their information, and ensure that their voices are heard in future
elections”.
“As a partner in deepening democracy at the grassroots, KOSIEC commends INEC’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in
the electoral process. We equally call on political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, as well as the media to
mobilise and sensitise the public towards active participation”.
“KOSIEC remains steadfast in its mission to uphold democratic values in
line with constitutional provisions and will continue to collaborate with
INEC and other stakeholders for the advancement of free, fair, and
credible elections in Nigeria”.
The State SIEC Chairman mentioned other appointed Commissioners to include:
(1). Muhammed Usman, Secretary,
Representing Okene/Ogori-Magongo
Federal Constituency
(2). Labaran Yahaya Oyigebe, Representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro
(3). Umar Makun Abdulmalik, Representing Lokoja/Koto
(4). Jamiu Abdulkareem, Representing Ajaokuta
(5). Achema Friday, Representing Idah/Ofu/Ibaji/Igalamela-Odolu
(6). Segun Ogbonikan, Representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu/Yagba
(7). Jimoh Ozigizigi Omeiza, Representing Adavi/Okehi