By Rasheedah Makinde
The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in ensuring peaceful, free, fair, and credible local government elections in the state.
The Chairman of OYSIEC, Mr Afees Adeniyi, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Command headquarters of the NSCDC at Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital.
Mr Adeniyi reiterated the commission’s resolve to conduct a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election, stressing that all necessary arrangements were being put in place to guarantee a hitch-free exercise.
He said December 29, 2026, remains the scheduled date for the conduct of the local government elections across the 33 local government areas of the state.
The OYSIEC chairman also commended the NSCDC command for its consistent support, cooperation, and professionalism during previous elections conducted by the commission.
He expressed confidence in the corps’ capacity to contribute significantly to peaceful and successful elections, giving assurance that, the commission would continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure credible polls.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, Commandant Augustine Padonu, gave assurance to OYSIEC of the corps’ unwavering support in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, particularly in the areas of election security, protection of sensitive electoral materials, and the maintenance of peace before, during, and after the elections.
He said effective collaboration among security agencies remained vital to the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, that the NSCDC would continue to deploy its personnel and operational expertise to ensure the safety and security of electoral activities across the state.
Edited by Taiwo Akinola
