OYSIEC REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL ELECTION, DEEPENS COLLABORATION WITH DSS
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a peaceful, credible, free, and fair local government election by deepening collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Office.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy and working visit by the Commission to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Office, at Aleshinloye, Ibadan, the OYSIEC Chairman , Dr. Afees Adeniyi, explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the DSS in recognition of the critical role security plays in the successful conduct of elections.
He noted that maintaining peace before, during, and after the election remains a top priority of the Commission and appealed for the continued support and professional expertise of the DSS throughout the electoral process.
"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 reiterated that the choice of the election date was made in strict compliance with the relevant electoral laws, adding that every activity of the Commission is guided by the provisions of the law.
The OYSIEC Chairman also commended the DSS and other security agencies involved in the intelligence-driven operations that led to the safe rescue of the victims of the recent kidnapping incident in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
"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. 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," Dr. Adeniyi stated.
Responding, the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Office, Mr. Usman Biu, assured OYSIEC of the Service's unwavering commitment to supporting a peaceful and secure electoral process.
Mr. Biu said the DSS would build on its existing partnership with the Commission through intelligence gathering and proactive security measures aimed at preventing threats to the electoral process.
He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and early engagement between the Commission and the security agency, noting that such synergy would help identify and neutralize potential security challenges before they escalate.
"It is commendable that the Commission is engaging with the Service early enough. We will work closely together. It is important that OYSIEC carries the Service and our liaison officer along throughout the preparations so that we remain on the same page," he said.»
He added:"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."
The State Director also underscored the need for sustained voter sensitisation and public awareness campaigns to encourage greater citizen participation and reduce voter apathy during the December 29, 2026, local government election.
The visit forms part of OYSIEC's ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders as preparations gather momentum for the Tuesday, December 29, 2026, Local Government Election in Oyo State.
