The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has fixed Saturday, January 16, 2027, for the conduct of local government council elections across the state, the commission announced at the end of its inaugural management meeting in Agodi, Ibadan.
In a statement signed by Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi, OYSIEC Chairman, the poll will take place in all 33 local government councils between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the appointed date.
The commission said it is committed to ensuring a transparent, credible and peaceful electoral process for all eligible voters.
According to the timetable released, campaign activities will officially end by midnight on Friday, January 15, 2027, ahead of election day.
In the event that results are inconclusive or supplementary polls are needed, off-cycle elections are scheduled for Saturday, January 23, 2027.
OYSIEC noted that the decision follows provisions in the Local Government Law of Oyo State (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), giving the commission authority to issue election notices within the required timeframe — not later than 360 days before the poll.
The statement further said that the tenure of current chairmen and councillors in the 33 local government areas will expire on May 23, 2027, meaning the elections are planned well ahead of the end of the current office terms.
OYSIEC urged political parties, candidates, security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to support and cooperate with its efforts to deliver free, fair and credible local government elections.
The commission called on residents to participate actively in the process and uphold peace throughout the election period.
Analysts say setting the election date early gives stakeholders time to prepare and organise campaigns, helping to reduce tensions and uncertainty often associated with local government polls in Nigeria.
Observers expect political activities around the LG polls to intensify as 2027 approaches, especially amid broader electoral dynamics in the run-up to general elections.
OYSIEC will continue engagement with political parties and civil society groups to finalise logistical preparations, voter education and security arrangements ahead of the January 2027 elections.
