OYSIEC notifies INEC of December 29 LG election, seeks collaboration
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has officially notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to conduct local government elections on December 29, 2026, while seeking support to ensure credible polls.
While disclosing the commission’s desire during a visit to the INEC headquarters in Ibadan on Thursday, OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, stated that the meeting was aimed at informing INEC of the new election date and requesting assistance for the successful conduct of the exercise.
Dr. Adeniyi went further to emphasize the importance of collaboration between both electoral bodies, noting that the law assigns INEC a supportive role to state electoral commissions.
He added that OYSIEC intends to request key electoral materials, including an updated voter register, and seek advice on addressing political apathy and other challenges ahead of the polls.
In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Prof. Adeniran Tella, assured OYSIEC of INEC’s readiness to collaborate in ensuring a free, fair, and credible local government election.
Prof. Tella equally stressed the critical role of state electoral commissions in strengthening grassroots democracy and urged OYSIEC to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and respect for the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
He also noted that credible elections at the local government level would promote good governance and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
Both bodies expressed optimism that the engagement would further strengthen cooperation and improve the conduct of the forthcoming local government elections in Oyo State.
