The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful, free, fair, and credible local government elections in Oyo State.

The Chairman of OYSIEC, Afees Adeniyi, stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Command headquarters of the NSCDC in Ibadan.

Mr Adeniyi said the commission had begun putting necessary measures in place to ensure a smooth electoral process across the state.

He confirmed that the local government elections would hold on December 29, 2026, across the 33 local government areas of the state.

The OYSIEC chairman also commended the NSCDC for its support and professionalism during previous elections conducted by the commission, expressing confidence in the agency’s ability to contribute to peaceful and successful polls.

He added that the commission would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to guarantee credible elections.

Speaking during the visit, the Oyo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Augustine Padonu, assured the electoral commission of the corps’ support in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Mr Padonu said the NSCDC would focus on election security, protection of sensitive electoral materials, and maintenance of peace before, during, and after the polls.

He stressed that cooperation among security agencies remained essential for the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, adding that the corps would deploy personnel and operational resources to secure electoral activities across the state.