Oyo State electoral commission in South West Nigeria has stepped up coordination with the country’s domestic intelligence agency ahead of local government elections scheduled for December 29, 2026, as authorities seek to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free vote in one of the country’s most populous states.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Dr. Afees Adeniyi, announced the strengthened partnership during a visit to the Oyo State headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ibadan, the state capital.
Adeniyi said the engagement reflects the commission’s recognition of the crucial role security agencies play in safeguarding elections and maintaining public confidence in democratic processes.
“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,” he said.
He added that maintaining peace before, during and after the election remains a top priority, stressing that the election timetable was fixed in compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and that all commission activities are being guided by legal provisions.
The OYSIEC chairman also praised the DSS and other security agencies for their role in the recent rescue of kidnapping victims in Oriire Local Government Area, highlighting growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria and its potential impact on civic activities.
“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,” Adeniyi said.
“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, he added”
In response, Oyo State DSS Director Usman Biu pledged the agency’s full support for the electoral process, saying intelligence gathering and proactive security measures would be deployed to prevent threats and ensure stability.
“It is commendable that the Commission is engaging with the Service early enough. We will work closely together,” Biu said.
“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.”
Biu stressed that sustained cooperation between election managers and security agencies would help identify and address potential risks before they escalate. He also called for stronger voter education campaigns to encourage participation and tackle voter apathy ahead of the polls.
