The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has called on political parties in the state to ensure transparent and credible primaries as preparations for the upcoming local government council elections gain momentum. The appeal was made by the commission's chairman, Dr. Afeez Adeniyi, during an interactive meeting with representatives of registered political parties held at the commission's headquarters in Ibadan on Thursday.
Distribution of Election Guidelines
At the meeting, OYSIEC distributed copies of the election guidelines to political parties in preparation for party primaries scheduled to take place from June 29 to July 27, 2026. Adeniyi emphasized the crucial role political parties play in the electoral process, urging them to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities diligently to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.
Call for Timely Submission of Candidates
The OYSIEC chairman urged parties to conduct their primaries within the stipulated timeframe and submit the names of successful candidates to the commission in accordance with electoral law provisions. He also encouraged stakeholders to study and strictly comply with the election guidelines issued by the commission, noting that adherence to the rules would help minimize pre-election disputes and avoid unnecessary litigation.
According to Adeniyi, the commission remains committed to conducting the council elections in line with existing laws and regulations governing local government polls in the state. He stated, "Today, we engaged representatives of registered political parties under the umbrella of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) as part of our preparations for the local government council elections scheduled for December 29, 2026. We had fruitful discussions and exchanged ideas. Our officials will be available during the primaries to monitor the process and provide necessary guidance where required."
Promoting Women's Participation
Adeniyi also called on political parties to promote greater participation of women in politics and leadership positions, describing women as critical stakeholders in governance and national development.
IPAC Chairman Highlights Challenges
Speaking on behalf of the political parties, the Chairman of IPAC in Oyo State, Mr. Kabiru Akinade, highlighted some of the challenges associated with local government elections in the country and called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the electoral process.
APGA Woman Leader Advocates Inclusion
The Oyo State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Mrs. Olajumoke Odususi, advocated for increased inclusion of women in elective offices and decision-making structures.
OYSIEC Permanent Secretary Advises on Accuracy
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of OYSIEC, Mrs. Abisola Kafayat Ogunmola, advised political parties to ensure that all personal details of candidates submitted to the commission are accurate to avoid complications during the electoral process.
