By Thompson Yamput
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) Chairman, Mr Mamman Nda-Eri, has confirmed that preparations are underway for the 19 October Local Government elections in the state.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, Nda-Eri pledged a peaceful, free, and fair council poll in Kogi.
He said to ensure a smooth electoral process, 7,016 ad-hoc staff have been trained to man the 3,508 polling units across 239 wards in the 21 local government areas.
The chairman said that the commission had also begun distributing non-sensitive materials to polling units.
Nda-Eri highlighted that 19 political parties would participate in the elections, with their logos printed on ballot papers to prevent potential complaints and litigations.
“Although only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have fielded candidates, the commission aims to ensure transparency.
“Adequate security arrangements have been made by the State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct across the 21 local government areas.
“Results of councillor will be declared at ward levels, while chairman results will be announced at Council Secretariats by the 21 Returning Officers.
“The commission will announce the winners after compiling results from all wards,” he said.
Nda-Eri urged Kogi residents to conduct themselves peacefully and civically during the elections, scheduled for 19 October.(NAN)
