The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on 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.
Hon. Abu said the motion was not limited to Ajaokuta Local Government Area, but was aimed at ensuring fairness and equitable representation across Kogi State.
He said there were concerns over alleged plans for the creation of electoral wards in some parts of the state without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
According to him, the issue is important because the creation of wards could serve as a precursor to future local government creation, stressing that the state cannot afford to be complacent on matters that could have long-term political and administrative consequences.
The lawmaker urged INEC to suspend any process relating to the creation of additional wards until proper consultations were held with relevant stakeholders and the people of the state.
He maintained that the exercise must be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act, including population, geographical spread and voter registration, among other relevant criteria.
Hon. Abu specifically cited Ajaokuta Local Government Area, noting that the area has a large number of polling units, wards and significant voter strength, which, according to him, justifies consideration for additional wards.
He called for a town hall meeting to enable INEC and stakeholders to engage with the people and explain the criteria being applied in the proposed exercise.
Responding, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, described the creation of additional electoral wards as a welcome development capable of improving political participation.
He, however, stressed that such an exercise must be based on equity, fairness and justice.
Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar 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 any situation where areas with significantly higher population and voter registration would receive fewer wards than areas with comparatively lower figures.
He said such a process could create suspicion and a sense of marginalisation among the people, stressing that all parts of Kogi State must be treated fairly.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf urged INEC to remain open and transparent, saying the Commission should use the forthcoming town hall meeting to explain the process and address the concerns of stakeholders.
The Speaker called on INEC to do what is right and ensure that the process strengthens rather than undermines unity, fairness and democratic participation in Kogi State.
