Observers Laud Kogi LG Poll, Voter Turnout

The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) and independent election observers have commended the peaceful conduct of yesterday’s local government election in the state, expressing satisfaction with voter turnout, security arrangements and public participation in the exercise.

KOSIEC chairman, Mamman Nda-Eri, said the commission remained committed to ensuring that every valid vote counted and that the choices of voters were protected and reflected in the final outcome.

Nda-Eri, who spoke during an assessment of the exercise, described the turnout at polling units visited as impressive, adding that the commission had adhered to its electoral timetable and would conclude the process in accordance with the law.

He explained that although voting was scheduled to end at 3 p.m., eligible voters who were still on the queue at the official closing time would be allowed to cast their ballots.

The KOSIEC chairman also dismissed allegations circulating on social media about the electoral process, attributing some of the claims to political parties that were not participating in the election after failing to meet the stipulated requirements.

He, however, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to neutrality and the protection of the integrity of the electoral process.

According to him, the election was the culmination of preparations spanning about 360 days, with Saturday’s exercise representing the final stage of the commission’s 13-point electoral timetable.

He attributed the encouraging voter turnout partly to voter education and engagement with political parties, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunity to elect their leaders at the grassroots.

Nda-Eri added that participation in elections was essential to strengthening democracy, noting that eligible voters who declined to participate had limited grounds to challenge the choices made by those who exercised their franchise.

Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Joseph Aremu, said members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria were in Kogi State for a peer-review exercise to assess the conduct of the polls.

Aremu said the delegation was monitoring KOSIEC’s compliance with the Electoral Act, the Kogi State electoral law and the commission’s guidelines, describing the exercise as an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the electoral procedures adopted by the state.

He described voting in the polling units visited as peaceful and orderly, commending the voter turnout and public enlightenment efforts.

According to him, preliminary observations indicated that the election was progressing smoothly, with voters exercising their democratic rights in the chairmanship and councillorship contests.

The Ondo electoral commission chairman also praised the deployment of security personnel, including police officers, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies.

He said the absence of reported casualties, shootings, ballot stuffing and vote buying in the areas visited was encouraging, urging other states to strengthen voter education and adopt measures that would promote peaceful elections.

On post-election conduct, Aremu urged winners to embrace inclusive governance by carrying their opponents and supporters along, rather than using electoral victory as a basis for political exclusion.

He also called on unsuccessful candidates to accept the outcome peacefully and prepare for future elections, stressing that democratic leadership must reflect the mandate freely given by the electorate.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulrahman Hussein, popularly known as Gentle, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing what he described as adequate security and an enabling environment for a free and fair election.

Hussein, who expressed confidence in his chances of victory, attributed the large crowds at polling units to public support for the APC and the governor.

He said he expected his party to emerge victorious at the end of the exercise, while thanking residents for turning out to vote.

The candidate identified security, support for small-scale businesses and improved educational opportunities as priority areas of his proposed administration if elected chairman.

He also acknowledged inadequate water supply as a major challenge facing Lokoja metropolis, expressing optimism that ongoing government efforts would address the problem.

Hussein further pledged to support initiatives to improve environmental sanitation in the state capital, particularly in areas experiencing waste-management challenges.

He said improved security, a cleaner environment and expanded economic opportunities would form key components of his administration.

The assessments by KOSIEC, visiting electoral officials and the APC candidate highlighted the importance of peaceful participation, credible vote counting and respect for the electorate’s decision.

The commission maintained that its priority was to ensure that eligible voters exercised their franchise and that the final outcome reflected their choices.