By our Correspondent
The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to put the interest of the state above political differences and ensure a peaceful and credible Local Government election on October 17.
Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Mamman Nda Eri, made the appeal on Wednesday at a critical stakeholders’ meeting held in preparation for the election.
Eri said the Commission had reached the final stage of its preparations and was committed to providing a level playing field for all participating political parties and candidates.
He stressed that the responsibility of delivering a successful election rested on all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the media and voters.
According to him, the election will take place in 21 Local Government Areas, 239 wards and 3,508 polling units across Kogi State, requiring effective coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders.
The KOSIEC chairman urged political parties and candidates to conduct their campaigns responsibly and educate their supporters against actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He also called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial while protecting the rights and safety of voters and other participants.
“An election lasts for one day, but Kogi State belongs to all of us every day. Whatever the outcome, we must continue to live together as brothers and sisters,” Eri said.
He assured that the Commission would ensure that women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups were given the opportunity to participate in the election without discrimination, intimidation or unnecessary barriers.
Eri further appealed to the media to provide accurate and balanced reports, warning that misinformation and inflammatory content could heighten tension before, during and after the election.
He said the stakeholders’ meeting was also designed to identify outstanding issues, resolve areas of misunderstanding and strengthen preparations ahead of Election Day.
Speaking at the meeting, High Chief Joseph Osagbemi, who represented the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, appealed to political actors to embrace peace and resolve disagreements through dialogue.
He urged Kogi residents to come out and exercise their civic responsibility on October 17, while cautioning against claims that election results had already been predetermined.
A consultant to KOSIEC and Director of Equity Promotions, Barrister Bamidele Suru, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as his support for the Commission’s independence.
Suru said the Commission’s financial independence had enabled it to conduct its activities without undue dependence on the state government for election funding, adding that there had been no intimidation or coercion in the Commission’s electoral affairs.
The representative of the Inter Party Advisory Council, Mr. Ibrahim Itodo, also commended KOSIEC for its efforts and urged political parties to adhere to the rules, promote inclusive participation and seek lawful means of resolving electoral disputes.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Forum of Electoral Officers in Kogi State, Comrade Mamud Brown, praised the Commission for its training programmes and engagements with Electoral Officers.
Brown said the training had improved the officers’ understanding of their responsibilities and reduced challenges associated with the conduct of elections, noting that the exercise had also been extended to the grassroots.
