Kogi Assembly Urges INEC to Ensure Fair, Transparent Ward Creation
Kogi State House of Assembly during plenary in Lokoja where lawmakers called for transparency in electoral ward creation
The Kogi State House of Assembly has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt transparent, uniform and equitable criteria in the creation of additional electoral wards across the state.
The call followed a motion raised by the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Jibril Onoroiza Abu, during plenary in Lokoja.
Abu said the motion was not restricted to Ajaokuta Local Government Area but was intended to promote fairness and equitable representation across Kogi State.
The lawmaker expressed concern over alleged plans to create additional electoral wards in some parts of the state without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders.
He said the issue required careful attention because the creation of electoral wards could serve as a precursor to future local government creation, with potential long-term political and administrative implications for the state.
Abu therefore called on INEC to suspend any process relating to the creation of additional wards until proper consultations had been held with stakeholders and residents.
He said the exercise must be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act, including population, geographical spread and voter registration, among other relevant criteria.
The lawmaker specifically cited Ajaokuta Local Government Area, saying its large number of polling units, existing wards and significant voter strength justified consideration for additional wards.
He also called for a town hall meeting to provide an opportunity for INEC and other stakeholders to engage directly with residents and explain the criteria being applied in the proposed exercise.
Responding to the motion, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, described the creation of additional electoral wards as a welcome development that could improve political participation.
He, however, stressed that the process must be guided by equity, fairness and justice.
Yusuf said INEC must strictly adhere to the criteria stipulated by law, including population, geographical spread, land area and voter registration, rather than allocating wards arbitrarily.
The Speaker questioned the fairness of a situation where areas with significantly higher population and voter registration could receive fewer wards than areas with comparatively lower figures.
He said such an approach could create suspicion and a sense of marginalisation among residents, stressing that all parts of Kogi State should be treated fairly.
Yusuf urged INEC to remain open and transparent and use the proposed town hall meeting to explain the process and address concerns raised by stakeholders.
The Speaker called on the electoral commission to ensure that the ward creation process strengthens rather than undermines unity, fairness and democratic participation in Kogi State.
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