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 .

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has called for effective collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure improved participation of residents in the forthcoming Local Government Council elections in Oyo State.

The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, made the call on Tuesday while hosting the new executives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State Chapter, at the OYSIEC Headquarters in Ibadan.

Dr. Adeniyi described political parties as principal stakeholders in a democratic setting, urging them to continue to accord the Commission the support and cooperation they had demonstrated in the past.

According to him, “Today’s engagement with the IPAC executives elected on February 18, 2026, is aimed at sustaining the cordial relationship that we have established with the group and to ensure that the election we are going to conduct in Oyo State is peaceful and credible.

“A number of observations have been raised during our discussions, and these will be addressed accordingly.

“We call for the support of critical stakeholders, particularly political parties and security agencies. We are using this opportunity to assure them that everything possible will be done to ensure that the election we are going to conduct will be credible and acceptable. We therefore urge them to cooperate with us, pray for us, and work with us.”

In his remarks, the new IPAC Chairman in Oyo State, Mr. Kabiru Akinade, stated that the visit was to formally introduce the newly elected IPAC executives to the Commission and strengthen collaboration with the leadership of OYSIEC  ahead of future electoral activities.

He noted that the forthcoming local government council elections in the State would provide an opportunity for political parties to assess their strengths and weaknesses as the 2027 general elections approach.

Mr. Akinade also commended the administration of Seyi Makinde for sustaining the conduct of local government council elections in the State since 2021. He therefore urged political parties to mobilise their members and supporters to participate actively in the forthcoming election.

He further assured that IPAC would work with all political parties to ensure a peaceful, credible, and successful local government poll across Oyo State.

.. releases revised  timetable, schedule of  activities

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced Tuesday, 29 December 2026 as the new date for the conduct of the local government council elections across the State.

This is contained in a statement signed by the OYSIEC Chairman, Dr Babatunde Afees Adeniyi and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

The development, according to the statement dated March 4, 2026, was as a result of the recently revised presidential and national assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from 20 February, 2027 to 16 January, 2027, a date previously scheduled by OYSIEC for the conduct of the local government council elections.

The statement reads: “The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) hereby informs political parties, security agencies, stakeholders and the general public that the Local Government Election earlier Scheduled for Saturday, 16 January 2027, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 29 December 2026 between 8:OO A.M to  3:00 P.M.

“This decision became necessary following the recent revision of the  national electoral timetable by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), which moved the Presidential and National Assembly elections from 20 February 2027 to 16 January 2027  a date  previously scheduled by OYSIEC for the conduct of Local Government Elections in Oyo State – thereby creating an operational and logistical overlap.

“After due consultation, the Commission resolved to reschedule the election to Tuesday, 29 December 2026 in order to prevent operational congestion, ensure optimal security deployment, protect voter participation, maintain administrative clarity, and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process”

Dr. Babatunde explained that the electioneering campaign by the political parties will end 12 Midnight on  Monday, 28 December 2026 while Re-run election will hold on  Tuesday, 5 January 2027 if any.

He urged political parties and relevant stakeholders to continue their preparations in accordance with the revised date and timetable as the  Commission remains fully committed to conducting a peaceful, transparent, credible, and inclusive local government election. Kindly find the link to the Timetable below.

https://osiec.oyostate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TIME-TABLE-FOR-2026-2027-LG-ELECTION.pdf