The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission has unveiled a fresh timetable for the next round of local government elections, setting the stage for a statewide vote that will determine new leadership at the grassroots level.
According to the commission, residents across all polling units in the 33 local government areas will head to the polls on Saturday, January 16, 2027, as preparations intensify for what officials describe as a carefully planned electoral exercise.
Voting activities are scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m., a window the commission said was designed to ensure orderliness and adequate participation on election day.
The decision, however, emerged from a strategic management meeting held at the commission’s headquarters in Agodi, where senior officials reviewed logistics, timelines, and operational priorities ahead of the polls.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, said the commission was committed to delivering a credible process.
“Our focus is to organise elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen confidence in local governance,” he said.
Furthermore, the commission announced that political campaigns by parties and candidates must cease by midnight on Friday, January 15, 2027, in line with electoral guidelines.
In the event of unresolved outcomes, OYSIEC disclosed that any supplementary or re-run elections would be conducted one week later, on Saturday, January 23, 2027.
Meanwhile, the commission clarified that the tenure of the current council chairmen and councillors will expire on May 23, 2027, consistent with provisions of the state’s local government law.
OYSIEC explained that the early notice was issued under its constitutional and statutory powers, which mandate timely communication of election schedules.
It therefore urged political parties, aspirants, security agencies, and civil society groups to cooperate fully, stressing that collective responsibility remains critical to the success of the January 2027 local government elections.