There are strong indications that kogi local government council polls may hold in September this year just as the Chairman Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Hon. Mamman Nda Eri is set to collaborate with other agencies in the state
It was reliably gathered that the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello gave the SIEC chairman approval to set a date for the local government councils election and to also meet with all political stakeholders in the state.
Source close to the Commission further disclosed that the commission picked September for the council polls and the date to be announced to the general public by June ending.
However the chairman, Mr Mamman Nda Eri in a meeting in the state, he exuded confidence of conducting free and fair election.
He stated that the meeting was called to sensitise the political party as part of preparations for the forthcoming local council poll and put them on their marks and as well brainstorm on an agreed date for the election before it would be made available to the citizens of Kogi State as well as Nigeria that Kogi is poised and prepared to conduct council poll so as to lay to rest the rumours making rounds that Kogi will not have elections.
Although he did not give the actual date he said he will give every political party and all aspirants a level playing ground.
He equally allayed the fears of various political parties that will be participating in the council elections, assuring them of impartiality because his integrity is at stake. Responding to questions from stakeholders on the probability of holding a credible election.
His words, “The council poll will be held this year. Though, the actual date has not been decided, we will issue the actual date to the public in due course as soon as the parties meet after the first stakeholders meeting and communicate back to KOSIEC so as to synergizes the actual election date
“I want to allay the fears and erase the wrong perception of some of you about KOSIEC being partisan particularly from members of the opposition parties in the state. We would therefore, wish to place on record our avowed commitment towards ensuring that there is a level playing field for each and every participant and stakeholder in the forthcoming local government election irrespective of political divide and affiliations
“The commission shall strictly adhere to best practices in election management and will not perform below the benchmark for excellence in electoral administration. Hence, the main reason for the commission’s painstaking thoroughness in the preparation for the forthcoming council poll
‘’This is a new commission I am heading. I want to promise you all that my reputation is at stake. I will guard my work conscientiously not to jeopardize my reputation. I will do all parties right.”
