A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Usman Okai, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure fairness and equitable representation in the ongoing creation of new electoral wards in Kogi State.

Okai, in a statement issued on Friday, called on the electoral commission to conduct the exercise in line with established legal and administrative guidelines, taking into account factors such as population density and geographical landmass.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the exercise adequately reflects the interests of all three senatorial districts, with particular attention to Kogi East.

Okai said, “The ward-creation exercise must adhere strictly to established legal and administrative parameters, including population density and geographical landmass.”

He urged INEC to approach the exercise as an impartial institution and ensure that no senatorial district was disadvantaged.

According to him, “There is no justification for excluding Kogi East the most populous region with the largest landmass in the state from the exercise.”

Okai also appealed to stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to support a transparent and equitable process, stressing that the outcome of the exercise should promote unity and fairness in the state.

He said, “INEC leadership should act as impartial public servants for the entire state rather than favouring a single zone.”

ADC Chieftain further called for a comprehensive review of the proposed ward-creation arrangement before its implementation, saying all relevant factors should be properly considered.

Okai also reminded INEC leadership that the commission’s chairman was welcomed and celebrated across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, urging the leadership to uphold the principle of fairness in carrying out its responsibilities.

He added, “The ward-creation exercise should be conducted in a manner that would strengthen confidence in the electoral process and promote unity among the people of Kogi State.”

Kogi State is made up of three senatorial districts; Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West, each comprising several local government areas and electoral wards.

Kogi East consists of nine local government areas: Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ofu, Olamaboro and Omala.

Kogi West has seven local government areas, while Kogi Central comprises five local government areas.