- The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) has fixed April 3, 2027, for the conduct of local government elections across the state
- The commission unveiled a comprehensive election timetable to guide political parties and stakeholders through each phase of the process
- The commission reiterated its commitment to delivering free, fair, credible, and conclusive elections, addressing concerns about electoral integrity
The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission has officially scheduled April 3, 2027, for the conduct of chairmanship and councillorship elections across the state’s eight local government areas.
The Chairman of the commission, Peter Singabele, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the commission’s conference room in Yenagoa.
Singabele assured stakeholders that the commission is committed to delivering a credible electoral process.
He said, “In compliance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, notice is hereby given that local government elections in Bayelsa State shall take place on 3rd April 2027, in all the eight (8) Local Government Areas.”
According to him, the official notice of the election takes effect from March 23, 2026.
The commission also released a detailed timetable to guide political parties and other stakeholders through the electoral process.
Singabele urged all registered political parties to adhere strictly to the schedule, particularly in conducting their internal congresses to select candidates.
“Consequently, all registered political parties are hereby notified to organise their internal party congresses in accordance with the commission’s timetable to select their preferred candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions,” he added.
As outlined in the timetable, political parties are expected to collect nomination forms between August 29 and September 9, 2026, at the commission’s headquarters in Yenagoa.
Party primaries are scheduled to take place from September 11 to September 25, 2026, while political campaigns will officially commence on November 3, 2026.
Campaign activities are expected to end at midnight on April 1, 2027, just two days before the election.
The commission further pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders, including security agencies and political groups, to ensure a smooth and hitch-free electoral process.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, representatives of security agencies, and other key participants in the state’s electoral process.