The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has called for continuous collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of electoral processes in the forthcoming local government elections across the state.
The OYSIEC Chairman, Dr.Afees Adeniyi, while speaking on Thursday during a visit to the INEC Headquarters, Ibadan, said that the visit became necessary for OYSIEC to notify the leadership of INEC officially of the new election date and solicit support for the effective conduct of local government elections.
Dr. Adeniyi noted that the law clearly outlines INEC’s supportive role to state electoral commissions, stressing the need for sustained collaboration to achieve the desired outcomes in the forthcoming local government elections.
“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.
“We received tremendous support from your office in 2023, and we remain grateful. We look forward to further guidance and advice from the commission as we prepare for the forthcoming election.
“As part of our preparations, we intend to request certain electoral materials, including an updated voter register, and seek for your advice on how to tackle political apathy and other relevant matters.”
In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Professor Adeniran Tella, pledged to collaborate with OYSIEC to ensure the conduct of a free, fair, and credible local government election.
He noted that the role of the state Independent Electoral Commissions remain critical in strengthening democracy at the grassroots .
He affirmed that the success of OYSIEC will greatly contribute the progress of the state and also promote good governance .
‘As you assume office,I encourage you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality, and respect for the rule of law.
“It is pertinent to note that candidates of the ruling party in the state usually emerge as the winner in the conduct of Local Government Elections.It is time for state Independent Electoral Commissions to take the bull by the horns by conducting proper elections and demonstrating the courage needed to uphold the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
“It is our hope that this engagement will further strengthen the cordial relationship between the two institutions”
