The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has assured of fair and credible Local Government elections in the state on December 29, 2026.

The OYSIEC chairman, Babatunde Adeniyi, gave the assurance when the executives of the Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its chairman, Yinka Adeniran, paid him a courtesy visit in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Mr Adeniyi said the commission would abide by the rules and guidelines of the electoral process to deliver a credible election that would be acceptable to all political parties and citizens of the state.

“All the processes leading to the election are in top gear. We will ensure compliance with all relevant laws and conduct a credible election,” he said.

The chairman solicited the support of the media and political parties in the state to deliver on his mandate.

He promised to address the issue of voter apathy that usually characterizes local government elections in the state.

Mr Adeniyi appreciated the media for their past support even before his assumption of office as chairman of the commission and promised to leverage it.

“This visit will not be taken for granted. Media practitioners have done well as the bridge between the rulers and the followers.

“You have really assisted us with your adequate and balanced reportage. We are happy and grateful for your constant support.

“The activities of the election have commenced, and there is no way we will be able to deliver a transparent and credible election without your support,” he said.

Also speaking, OYSIEC commissioner, Remi Ayoade, called on all political parties in the state to participate in the forthcoming local government election.

Earlier, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Yinka Adeniran, described the OYSIEC Chairman as a unionist who has won many battles for the good of the downtrodden.

Mr Adeniran said the activism in Adeniyi would bring about a radical change to the commission and pledged the commitment of the Chapel members to achieving the desired result.

“We believe in your ability to deliver credible and fair elections and deepen democracy at the grassroots for the good of the state,” Mr Adeniran said. 

(NAN)