The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has called for sustained collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of the forthcoming local government elections in Oyo State.
OYSIEC Chairman, Afees Adeniyi, made the appeal on Thursday during a courtesy visit to INEC’s headquarters in Ibadan, where he formally notified the commission of the new election date.
Adeniyi said the visit was necessary to strengthen institutional cooperation and officially inform INEC that the local government elections in the state are scheduled for December 29, 2026.
He noted that the law provides for a supportive role by INEC to state electoral commissions and stressed the importance of continued collaboration to ensure a credible exercise.
“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,” he said.
Adeniyi added that OYSIEC would request key electoral materials, including an updated voter register, and seek guidance from INEC on addressing political apathy and other challenges ahead of the polls.
In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Adeniran Tella, assured OYSIEC of INEC’s readiness to collaborate in ensuring the conduct of a free, fair, and credible election.
Tella emphasized the critical role of state electoral commissions in strengthening grassroots democracy and urged OYSIEC to uphold professionalism, neutrality, and respect for the rule of law.
He also observed that candidates of ruling parties often emerge winners in local government elections conducted by state electoral bodies, urging commissions to demonstrate independence and integrity in the electoral process to boost public confidence.