'We will protect valid votes in Kogi LG election’ – KOSIEC Chairman

The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mamman Nda-Eri, has assured voters and political parties that the commission will protect valid votes and ensure they are counted in Saturday’s local government election.

Nda-Eri gave the assurance while monitoring the exercise.

He said the commission remained committed to conducting the election fairly and maintaining its neutrality.

He acknowledged complaints from some political parties but dismissed some allegations circulating on social media, insisting that certain claims were untrue and that some parties had failed to meet the requirements for participation in the election.

“Electoral commissions often face allegations of bias, but we will do our best to show that we are impartial. We will also ensure that no polling unit closes at 3 pm if voters are still waiting in queues,” Nda-Eri said.

He added that every eligible voter waiting to cast a ballot would be allowed to exercise their right to vote.

Nda-Eri attributed the turnout to voter education and efforts by political parties to mobilise and sensitise their supporters during campaigns.

He said the election followed a process that began about 360 days earlier and was being conducted in accordance with the commission’s timetable.

The chairman urged eligible voters who had yet to cast their ballots to participate, stressing that voting was important for strengthening democratic accountability.

'We will protect valid votes in Kogi LG election’ – KOSIEC Chairman