Kogi-born political activist Usman Okai Austin has urged stakeholders across Kogi State to engage directly with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the ongoing process for creating new electoral wards.

Okai said communities and interest groups across the state should submit formal applications to the commission instead of relying on assumptions about the ward creation process.

In a statement he personally signed on Saturday, Okai said his earlier concerns were based on information suggesting that requests from other parts of the state could not trigger the process.
He said he had since become aware that communities and stakeholders could approach INEC with applications and make their demands formally known.

The activist expressed confidence that INEC Chairman Joash Ojo Amupitan would ensure fairness and equal consideration for the three senatorial districts in Kogi.

Okai cited what he described as Amupitan’s balanced handling of recent electoral matters as evidence of his commitment to professionalism.

He specifically referenced the commission’s handling of the recent Kogi Assembly restoration process and the 2026 Osun State election.

Okai also pointed to Amupitan’s handling of issues surrounding the African Democratic Congress as another indication of what he described as sound judgment.

He therefore urged stakeholders from Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West to support the INEC chairman in the discharge of his responsibilities.

The call comes amid debate over the proposed creation and restructuring of electoral wards in Kogi State.

Okai had previously raised concerns over the treatment of Kogi East, urging INEC to ensure that population density, geographical landmass and other established legal and administrative considerations guide the exercise.

He has now shifted emphasis towards participation, encouraging communities and stakeholders to make their requests directly to the electoral commission.
The development highlights the political sensitivity surrounding electoral boundaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okai said an inclusive and transparent process would strengthen confidence in the electoral system and ensure that no part of Kogi State is unfairly disadvantaged.