By ThankGod Inalegwu
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has rescheduled the local government elections in Oyo State to Tuesday, December 29, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of the commission, Babatunde Afees Adeniyi.
According to the commission, the election, which was earlier slated for Saturday, January 16, 2027, will now take place between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the new date across all local government areas in the state.
OYSIEC explained that the adjustment became necessary following the revision of the dates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 2027 but later moved the exercise to January 16, 2027 — a date that coincided with the previously planned local government elections in the state.
The commission noted that the change was aimed at avoiding a clash of electoral activities and ensuring smooth coordination of the electoral process.
“The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission 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 urged political parties, candidates and relevant stakeholders to take note of the new date and make the necessary preparations ahead of the elections.
The commission also assured residents of the state of its commitment to conducting a credible, transparent and peaceful election across all local government areas.