The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has commended registered political parties for their commitment and cooperation towards the successful conduct of the 29 December 2026 Local Government Council Elections.

Speaking after the Commission’s meeting in Ibadan, the Chairman, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, urged all political parties and stakeholders to take note of the amendments made to the revised timetable and ensure strict compliance with the dates and activities contained therein, stressing that adherence was essential to the smooth and successful conduct of the elections.

Dr. Adeniyi disclosed that participating political parties had collected and submitted the required data forms and particulars of their nominated candidates, noting that the window for withdrawal and replacement of withdrawn candidates will close on 30 September 2026.

He explained that the consequential adjustments to the timetable followed a request by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State, for an extension of the period for party primaries to accommodate parties that had not completed their primaries by the earlier deadline of 27 July 2026.

The Chairman also disclosed that the activity previously titled “Screening of Chairmanship and Councillorship Candidates of Political Parties” had been changed to “Screening and Publication of the Personal Particulars of Candidates Nominated by Political Parties.”

He appreciated the cooperation of the political parties and urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration towards a credible, peaceful and transparent election.

LG ELECTION: OYSIEC EXTENDS CONDUCT OF PARTY PRIMARIES DEADLINE TO AUGUST 5

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced Wednesday, August 5, 2026, as the new deadline for the conduct of primary elections by the political parties preparing for the forthcoming local government council elections in the state.

In a statement on Monday by the OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Afees Adeniyi and made available to the media, explained that the nine day extension was in line with the request of the current leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state.

According to the statement, the Inter- Party Advisory Council ( IPAC) , Oyo State in its letter signed by the Secretary, Hon Dairo Olayinka, demanded a one-week extension to enable affected political parties to conclude the necessary administrative and statutory processes required for the successful conduct of their primary elections.

IPAC said further that the extension will afford all participating political parties adequate time to put their structures and documentation in order, thereby ensuring a more credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral process .

Dr Adeniyi explained in the release that the development became necessary for the commission to accommodate all the registered political parties in the state that have shown interest in the poll scheduled to hold on December 29, 2026.

The statement added that the initial deadline for the important exercise was Monday,27th July,2026 , while the extension will run between Tuesday, 28th July, 2026, and Wednesday, 5th August, 2026.

The statement stressed that all other dates and activities in the revised election timetable and guidelines are valid while calling on the concerned political parties to take advantage of the extension and forward the names of the successful candidates to the commission
in due course.

Dr Adeniyi lauded the political parties for the continuous support and cooperation, urging them to abide by the election guidelines released recently in the conduct of their primary elections.

” The commission received a Letter from the Inter- Party Advisory Council (IPAC) requesting for an extension of the date scheduled for the Conduct of the Local Government Chairmanship and Councillorship Primary elections by political parties in Oyo state .

” The council requested for a – week extension, the commission met on the subject matter and graciously approved their request by nine days”

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a peaceful, credible, free, and fair local government election by deepening collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Office.

Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy and working visit by the Commission to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Office at Ibadan.

The OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Afees Adeniyi explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the DSS in recognition of the critical role security plays in the successful conduct of elections.

He noted that maintaining peace before, during, and after the election remains a top priority of the Commission and appealed for the continued support and professional expertise of the DSS throughout the electoral process.

“We are here today to formally notify the DSS that another round of local government elections will be held in Oyo State on Tuesday, December 29, 2026, and preparations are already in full swing,” he said.

He reiterated that the choice of the election date was made in strict compliance with the relevant electoral laws, adding that every activity of the Commission is guided by the provisions of the law.

The OYSIEC Chairman also commended the DSS and other security agencies involved in the intelligence-driven operations that led to the safe rescue of the victims of the recent kidnapping incident in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

“We commend the DSS and other security agencies involved in the intelligence-driven operations that culminated in the safe rescue of the Oriire kidnapping victims. Your professionalism and expertise are highly appreciated. We look forward to your continued support in creating a peaceful and secure environment that will guarantee a free, fair, credible, and violence-free local government election,” Dr. Adeniyi stated.

Responding, the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Office, Mr. Usman Biu, assured OYSIEC of the Service’s unwavering commitment to supporting a peaceful and secure electoral process.

Mr. Biu said the DSS would build on its existing partnership with the Commission through intelligence gathering and proactive security measures aimed at preventing threats to the electoral process.

He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and early engagement between the Commission and the security agency, noting that such synergy would help identify and neutralize potential security challenges before they escalate.

“It is commendable that the Commission is engaging with the Service early enough. We will work closely together. It is important that OYSIEC carries the Service and our liaison officer along throughout the preparations so that we remain on the same page,” he said.

He added: ”Our core responsibility is intelligence gathering. We will deploy our expertise to neutralize any action or activity capable of disrupting the election or undermining the electoral process.”

The State Director also underscored the need for sustained voter sensitisation and public awareness campaigns to encourage greater citizen participation and reduce voter apathy during the December 29, 2026, local government election.

The visit forms part of OYSIEC’s ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders as preparations gather momentum for the Tuesday, December 29, 2026, Local Government Election in Oyo State.

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration towards ensuring peaceful, free, fair, and credible local government elections in the State.

The Chairman of OYSIEC, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Command headquarters of the NSCDC at Agodi, Ibadan.

Dr. Adeniyi reiterated the Commission’s resolve to conduct a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election, stressing that all necessary arrangements were being put in place to guarantee a hitch-free exercise.

He reaffirmed that December 29, 2026, remains the scheduled date for the conduct of the local government elections across the 33 local government areas of the State.

The OYSIEC Chairman also commended the NSCDC Command for its consistent support, cooperation, and professionalism during previous elections conducted by the Commission.

He expressed confidence in the Corps’ capacity to contribute significantly to peaceful and successful elections, assuring that the Commission would continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure credible polls.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, Commandant Augustine Padonu, assured OYSIEC of the Corps’ unwavering support in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, particularly in the areas of election security, protection of sensitive electoral materials, and the maintenance of peace before, during, and after the elections.

He noted that effective collaboration among security agencies remains vital to the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, adding that the NSCDC would continue to deploy its personnel and operational expertise to ensure the safety and security of electoral activities across the State.

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has intensified preparations for the 2026 Local Government Council Elections with a strategic meeting involving Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State.

Speaking at the meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters in Ibadan on Wednesday, the OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, solicited the support and commitment of the officers towards ensuring a free, fair, transparent and credible election process.

Dr. Adeniyi charged the Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) to discharge their duties diligently and in line with the electoral guidelines of the commission, stressing that they must remain neutral and avoid any form of misconduct.

Adeniyi who reiterated the commitment of the commission to conduct free, fair and credible local government elections, admonished the officers to play according to the rule in the interest of the State.

According to him, “I am impressed with the turnout and your interest in the electoral process. You are our ambassadors in your various local governments and also our partners at the commission. We require your support and commitment to achieve a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

“I appeal to you to be part of this legacy. You are not representing any political party, but serving as ambassadors of OYSIEC and representatives of the people of the state. Let posterity judge you positively and ensure you avoid misconduct,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Dr. Olusegun Odekunle, commended the new leadership of OYSIEC for seeking their support, assuring the Commission of their commitment towards the conduct of a credible, free and fair election in the State.

Dr. Odekunle urged the Commission to continue prioritising the welfare of Electoral Officers (EOs) and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) before, during and after the election exercise.

He also pledged the unalloyed support of members of the forum towards ensuring the successful conduct of an acceptable and credible local government election in Oyo State.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have pledged to collaborate with the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission to ensure a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free local government election in Oyo State.

The commitment was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Commission, where representatives of the organizations emphasized the need for synergy among stakeholders to promote voter confidence and electoral integrity.

Speaking during the visit, the commandant,  Peace Corps of Nigeria, Bar. Lukman Fasasi assured the Commission of their readiness to support voter education, crowd control, and other non-partisan activities that will enhance the smooth conduct of the elections.

Similarly, the Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oyo State Branch, Engr. Babalola Famade reiterated the  commitment of the organization to providing humanitarian support, including first aid services and emergency response, before, during, and after the electoral process.

‘Elections are about people, and wherever people gather, the Red Cross has a duty to be present, neutral, impartial, and ready to serve.

‘We pledge full cooperation with OYSIEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders for a peaceful and successful exercise”

.In his response, the Chairman of OYSIEC, Dr. Afees Adeniyi appreciated the gesture, noting that collaboration with reputable organizations inevitable to achieving a peaceful and credible election.

He added that the Commission is committed to conducting a transparent process that reflects the will of the people.

He explained that the Commission will continue to partner with all stakeholders to achieve a well adjudged, peaceful, and widely acceptable local government election in the State.

He added that the partnership with these stakeholders is expected to strengthen security awareness, promote peaceful participation, and ensure adequate support services across polling units during the elections.

Earlier in the day, the Cedars for Human Welfare Initiative Team, led by Dr. Bukola Olatunji pledged their continuous support for the commission.

He reiterated their commitment to supporting OYSIEC through advocacy, sensitization campaigns, and capacity-building programmes aimed at fostering public trust in the electoral process.

…as OYSIEC Leadership visit CP

The Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command, has assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during, and after the local government council elections, scheduled to hold on 29th December, 2026.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, gave the assurance on Monday while hosting the leadership of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) during a courtesy visit to his office in Eleyele, Ibadan.

CP Olugbenga emphasized that a peaceful environment is essential for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, noting that the command is fully prepared to ensure the safety of lives and property throughout the electoral process.

‘I want to assure the Chairman and his entourage the one hundred percent support of the command in the forthcoming Local Government Council Elections.

‘ We have been doing this and we will not stop because there is no way we can assure the voting populace, fair,free and credible elections without peace.

‘ I want to say that this year’s election will not be different from the previous ones. We’ll do it. We’ll collaborate very well. And we are going to show other states that we can do it. I thank you for coming this way.’

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, said the visit was to formally inform the command of the Commission’s intention to conduct a peaceful and intimidation-free election.

Dr. Adeniyi noted that residents of the state often express concerns about their safety on election days, stressing the need for stronger collaboration with the police to ensure a conducive environment before, during, and after the polls.

He called on the command to assist in maintaining law and order across polling units on election day and ensure that no life is lost during the process.

The OYSIEC Chairman commended the police for their support during previous local government elections, urging the command to sustain the cooperation.

“We are here today to engage with your office and to formally notify you that our election is scheduled to hold on 29th December, 2026, while also presenting our requests.

“We received tremendous support from this command in 2024, and we remain grateful. We look forward to further support and collaboration as we prepare for the forthcoming election.

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has called for continuous collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of electoral processes in the forthcoming Local Government Election across the State.

The OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, disclosed this during a visit to the INEC Headquarters, Ibadan, to officially notify the leadership of INEC of the new election date and solicit support for the effective conduct of the Local Government elect Electionion.

Adeniyi noted that the law clearly outlines INEC’s supportive role to State electoral commissions, stressing the need for sustained collaboration to achieve the desired outcome in the forthcoming Local Government Election in the State.

He said: “We are here today to engage with your office as a sister electoral body and to formally notify you that our election is scheduled to hold on 29th December, 2026, while also presenting our requests.

“We received tremendous support from your office in 2023, and we remain grateful. We look forward to further guidance and advice from the Commission as we prepare for the forthcoming election.”

Adeniyi noted that as part of its preparations, OYSIEC intends to request certain electoral materials, including an updated voter register, and seek INEC’s advice on how to tackle political apathy and other relevant matters.

In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Professor Adeniran Tella, pledged to collaborate with OYSIEC to ensure the conduct of a free, fair, and credible Local Government Election.

Professor Tella noted that the role of the state Independent Electoral Commissions remains critical in strengthening democracy at the grassroots, affirming that the success of OYSIEC will greatly contribute to the progress of the State and also promote good governance.

He noted: “It is pertinent to note that candidates of the ruling party in the state usually emerge as the winner in the conduct of local government elections.

“It is time for State Independent Electoral Commissions to take the bull by the horns by conducting proper elections and demonstrating the courage needed to uphold the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.”

The Oyo State Government in South West Nigeria, has assured of fair and credible Local Government and Councilorship election in the state come December 29, 2026.

The Chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi, gave the assurance when the executives of the Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Ibadan, the State capital.

Adeniyi asserted that the Commission will abide by the rules and guidelines of the electoral process to deliver a credible election that will be acceptable by all political parties and citizens of the state.

He said: “All the processes leading to the election are in top gear, we will ensure to comply with all relevant laws and conduct a credible election that will be acceptable to all.”

Media Support

The OYSIEC Chairman solicited the support of the media and political parties in the state to be able to deliver on his mandate and as well address the issue of voter apathy that usually characterises local government elections in the state.

He appreciated the media for the support given to the Commission in the past as the bridge between the rulers and the followers, and promised to leverage it now that he has assumed office as the Chairman of the Commission.

Adeniyi stated: “You have really assisted us with your adequate and balanced reportage, we are happy and grateful for your constant support.

“The activities of the election have commenced and there is no way we will be able to deliver a transparent and credible election without your support.”

In the same vein, the OYSIEC Commissioner, Mr. Remi Ayoade, called on all political parties in the state to participate in the forthcoming local government and councilorship election in the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Yinka Adeniran, who led the executive members on the visit, described the OYSIEC Chairman as a unionist who has won many battles for the good of the downtrodden.

Adeniran said the unionism in Adeniyi will bring about a radical change to the commission, and pledged the commitment of the Chapel members to support him to achieve desired results.

“We believe in your ability to deliver a credible and fair election and deepen democracy at the grassroots for the good of the state,” Adeniran noted.

…lauds Roles of Political Parties, Media in Election Conduct

The Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Dr. Babatunde Afees Adeniyi has reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to strictly adhere to the electoral laws in the conduct of the forthcoming local government council elections in the state.

The Chairman stated this on Wednesday during an engagement with Members of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) , Oyo State Chapter and the Executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) correspondents’ chapel at the Commission’s Headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan.

He sought the support and collaboration with the political parties, Inter Party Advisory Council and the media in conducting a free, fair, and credible local government election in the state.

The Chairman assured the public that the commission will do everything humanly possible to conduct a credible and acceptable election.

He appreciated the Media for being a partner in progress during the previous Local Government Elections held in the State, urging them to continue their support for the commission.

Speaking, the Chairman,NUJ, Correspondents’ Chapel,Mr.Yinka Adeniran stated that the visit was to congratulate and familiarize themselves with the OYSIEC Chairman , members of the commission, and also strengthen collaboration with the leadership of the commission ahead of future electoral activities.

In his remarks, the new IPAC chairman in Oyo State, Mr. Kabiru Akinade , expressed concern over the idea of a political party emerging winners in all the local governments during the council elections.

He opined that when the idea of winners take all is abolished, other political parties will be able to mobilise their members and supporters to participate actively in the local government council elections.

He admonished OYSIEC leadership to look inward on how to put an end to such ideology in the interest of the masses .