The Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) has declared that candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in the elections held across all 21 local governments and 239 wards in the state. This announcement was made by KOSIEC Chairman Mamman Nda-Eric, who emphasized that the elections were conducted in a peaceful, free, fair, and credible manner.
Despite these claims, opposition parties and youth leaders have expressed strong dissent, labeling the election a mockery of democracy. They argue that the electoral process failed to meet the standards expected in a democratic society, raising questions about the legitimacy of the results.
Comrade Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, the Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in Kogi State, criticized KOSIEC for its handling of the elections. He stated that the commission demonstrated incompetence regarding the conduct of the local government polls, suggesting that the state has regressed in its democratic practices.
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In addition, the state organizing secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Abdukadir Ibrahim, alleged that all electoral materials were diverted to undisclosed locations instead of being distributed to the local governments for the elections. He and other opposition members were reportedly at the KOSIEC headquarters in Lokoja to collect these materials but found them missing.
The opposition leaders voiced their frustration, claiming that the situation was a significant setback for democracy in Kogi State. They described the events as a betrayal of the electoral process and called for accountability from KOSIEC.
Conversely, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, praised KOSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the elections and noted the impressive voter turnout throughout the state. His comments reflected a contrasting perspective on the election’s integrity.
Audu further advised the newly elected officials to approach their responsibilities with a focus on making a positive impact on the lives of the people in Kogi State. He emphasized the importance of governance that prioritizes the needs of citizens.
In conclusion, while the KOSIEC and some state officials celebrated the election as a success, significant opposition voices raised serious concerns about the electoral process. The contrasting narratives highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding democracy and governance in Kogi State.
