By joshua 
Kogi Stakeholders Urged to Master KOSIEC Law 2025 for Credible October 2026 Council Polls – Barr. Bamidele Suru.
Political parties and citizens of Kogi State have been called upon to gain a thorough understanding of the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Law 2025, seen as the key to credible local government elections slated for October 2026.
Barr. Bamidele Suru of Equity Draftsmen Law Office, Surulere Chambers, made the disclosure at a sensitization workshop for political stakeholders launching the Kogi Local Government Elections timetable.
In his presentation, the legal expert explained that a careful grasp of the 2025 KOSIEC law, when properly applied, will bring sanity to electoral jurisprudence. He highlighted salient provisions of the law to include:- Independence of the State Commission– modeled after INEC, with full authority to appoint, dismiss and discipline its staff.
1 % funding contribution to the state democratic system, described as a landmark provision.
He mentioned the protection against arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected councils and setting up of caretaker committee appointments.
He said Section of the new law empowers KOSIEC to issue regulations not covered by the principal law, including guidelines and manuals, Provision for election expenses, remuneration of officers, and the liberty to hire consultants and legal representatives for tribunals, with appropriate payment.
Barr. Suru noted these new inclusions addresses gaps in previous laws and are essential for free, fair, and credible polls.
He urged political stakeholders and citizens to familiarize themselves with the law explaining that “ignorance of the law is no excuse”, expressed optimism that the strengthened independence of KOSIEC will deliver transparent elections in 2026.