OYSIEC, DSS deepen collaboration for credible LG election

Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible local government election by deepening collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo Command.

The OYSIEC Chairman, Dr Afeez Adeniyi, stated this during a courtesy visit to the DSS office in Ibadan.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Spokesman, Damola Adegoke, on Wednesday.

Adegoke quoted Adeniyi as saying that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with DSS in recognition of the role security plays in the successful conduct of elections.

Adeniyi, who noted that maintaining peace before, during and after the election remained the commission’s top priority, appealed for continued support and professional expertise of the DSS throughout the electoral process.

“We are here to formally notify the DSS that another round of local government elections will be held in Oyo State on Dec. 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 relevant electoral laws, adding that every activity of the commission was guided by the provisions of the law.

He commended DSS and other security agencies involved in the intelligence-driven operations that led to the safe rescue of the victims of the recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

“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,” Adeniyi stated.

Responding, the State Director of DSS in the state, Usman Biu, assured OYSIEC of the service’s unwavering commitment to supporting a peaceful and secure electoral process.

Biu said that DSS would build on its existing partnership with the commission through intelligence gathering and proactive security measures to prevent threats to the electoral process.

He emphasised 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.

“Our core responsibility is intelligence gathering. We will deploy our expertise to neutralise any action or activity capable of disrupting the election or undermining the electoral process,” he said.

The director also underscored the need for sustained voter sensitisation and public awareness campaigns to encourage greater citizen participation and reduce voter apathy during the local government election.

The Newsmen report that the visit formed part of OYSIEC’s ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders, as preparations for the forthcoming council election in the state gather momentum.