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).
The Chairman of OYSIEC, Dr Afees Adeniyi, who disclosed this during a visit to the DSS Headquarters, Oyo State Office, Ibadan, explained that the Commission is aiming at strengthening collaboration with the DSS in recognition of the critical role security plays in the successful conduct of elections.
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Adeniyi noted that maintaining peace before, during, and after the election remains a priority of the Commission and appealed for the continued support and professional expertise of the DSS throughout the electoral process.
He said: “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.”
Dr Adeniyi reiterated that the choice of the election date was made in strict compliance with the relevant electoral laws, saying every activity of the Commission is guided by the provisions of the law.
The OYSIEC Chairman commended the DSS and other security agencies involved in the safe rescue of the victims of the recent kidnapping incident in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He stated: “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.”
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.
Biu said the DSS will build on its existing partnership with the Commission through intelligence gathering and proactive security measures aimed at preventing threats to the electoral process.
He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration and early engagement between the Commission and the security agency, noting that such synergy would help identify and neutralise potential security challenges before they escalate.
Biu stated: “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.
“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 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.
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