A Civil Society Group, Conscience for Human Right and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), has said the October 17, 2026 local government elections in Kogi State were peaceful but marred by late arrival of materials, missing election officials and very low voter turnout.
In its observer report, signed by its Executive Director, Idris Miliki Abdul, and released on Monday in Lokoja, the group said many polling units it observed had neither officials nor materials at the scheduled time. It said the delay was noticed even in Lokoja, the state capital.
The election was conducted by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). The commission had released the timetable on October 22, 2025, a year before the poll, in line with Section 197(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.
Voter turnout
CHRCR said turnout was very low in many polling units observed, adding that voters appeared to lack confidence, motivation and adequate information about the process.
Other observations
The group also noted that:
– The voters’ register and election posters were not displayed to show where voting was to hold.
– Security personnel arrived early at many polling units, which it described as commendable.
– Few political party agents were present at the units observed.
– Some media practitioners and observers were present at some polling units, particularly in Lokoja.
– The process was largely peaceful despite the lapses.
– Results were declared by the SIEC chairman at about 1:00am on October 18, 2026, in line with figures from the local government returning officers.
CHRCR said it witnessed the distribution of electoral materials to the local government areas on October 16, accompanied by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security.
The group said it made its radio platform available to SIEC for voter education and mobilisation, and published SIEC activities in its monthly magazine, *The Perspective*. It, however, expressed disappointment that political parties, which it described as primary beneficiaries, were absent from voter education and mobilisation activities.
It also criticised international donors and agencies for not supporting the polls, stressing that sub-national elections are as important as national ones.
Recommendations
CHRCR called on SIEC to hold a one-day debriefing with security agencies, accredited observers, political parties, election officers and the media to identify what worked, what did not and how to improve.
It also urged SIEC to publish the results on its newly acquired website and expand its social media presence.
The group asked the Kogi State Government to:
– Provide SIEC with a permanent office building and modern equipment.
– Build permanent offices in all local government areas, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does at the national level.
– Professionalise SIEC staff, noting that the current practice of randomly transferring staff from ministries and agencies undermines professionalism.
– Remit funds deducted from local government allocations directly to SIEC, in line with the 2025 Local Government Laws as amended.
It further called on political parties to obey electoral rules, participate actively in voter education and stop alleging malpractice before elections are held. Citizens were urged to take interest in the process and shun fake news, while civil society organisations were asked to participate more.
CHRCR urged the sustained non-restriction of movement on election day, as was the case on October 17.
Appreciation and appeal
The group commended the partnership among civil society organisations, the media and SIEC, and praised political parties and candidates for peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.
It urged aggrieved parties not to take the law into their hands but to approach the election tribunal.
“Citizens must continue to participate in the electoral process to sustain democracy at the sub-national level,” the group said.
