The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has rescheduled the local government council elections across the state to Tuesday, December 29, 2026.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Chairman of the commission, Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

According to the statement dated March 4, 2026, the adjustment became necessary after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revised its national election timetable. INEC had earlier moved the presidential and National Assembly elections from February 20, 2027, to January 16, 2027 — a date previously fixed by OYSIEC for the conduct of the local government polls in Oyo State.

The commission explained that the decision was taken to prevent a clash between the state and national elections.

“OYSIEC hereby notifies political parties, security agencies, stakeholders, and the general public that the local government election earlier scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, has been shifted to Tuesday, December 29, 2026, and will hold between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.,” the statement said.

OYSIEC noted that the change became unavoidable due to the overlap created by the revised national electoral timetable.

It added that the decision was reached after consultations with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated electoral process.

According to Adeniyi, the new date was chosen to ease operational pressure, allow effective security deployment, encourage voter participation, and preserve the credibility of the election.

The commission also disclosed that political parties will be required to end their election campaigns by midnight on Monday, December 28, 2026.

He further stated that if necessary, any rerun elections would be conducted on Tuesday, January 5, 2027.

Adeniyi urged political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to adjust their preparations in line with the revised timetable, while assuring residents that the commission is committed to conducting a peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible election.

He also called on security agencies, civil society groups, and voters across the state to cooperate with the commission to ensure a successful electoral process.