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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced Tuesday, December 29, 2026, as the new date for the conduct of local government council elections across Oyo State.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the OYSIEC Chairman, Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
According to the statement dated March 4, 2026, the decision to shift the election became necessary following the recent revision of the national electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The national electoral body had earlier moved the presidential and National Assembly elections from February 20, 2027, to January 16, 2027 — a date previously scheduled by OYSIEC for the local government elections in the state.
The commission explained that the change was made to avoid a clash between the state and national electoral processes.
“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, January 16, 2027, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 29, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.,” the statement read.
OYSIEC noted that the shift became unavoidable due to the overlap created by the revised national election timetable.
“This decision became necessary following the recent revision of the national electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which moved the presidential and National Assembly elections from February 20, 2027, to January 16, 2027, a date previously scheduled by OYSIEC for the conduct of local government elections in Oyo State, thereby creating an operational and logistical overlap,” the statement added.
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The commission said it arrived at the new date after consultations with relevant stakeholders, stressing that the adjustment would help prevent operational congestion and ensure smooth coordination of election activities.
“After due consultation, the commission resolved to reschedule the election to Tuesday, December 29, 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,” Adeniyi stated.
Providing further details on the revised schedule, the OYSIEC chairman disclosed that electioneering campaigns by political parties would officially end at midnight on Monday, December 28, 2026.
He also revealed that, if the need arises, rerun elections will be conducted on Tuesday, January 5, 2027.
Adeniyi urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to align their preparations with the revised timetable, assuring residents of the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible poll.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the local government elections are peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible.
The OYSIEC boss also called on security agencies, civil society organisations and voters across the state to cooperate with the commission to guarantee a smooth electoral process.
