The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) has officially scheduled the chairmanship and councillorship elections across all eight local government areas of the state for April 3, 2027, assuring residents of a free, fair, credible, and conclusive electoral process.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday at the commission’s conference room in Yenagoa, the state capital, BYSIEC Chairman Peter Singabele emphasized the commission’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the elections.
He noted that the announcement aligns with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, stating: “Notice is hereby given that local government elections in Bayelsa State shall take place on April 3, 2027, in all eight local government areas.”
Singabele urged all registered political parties to adhere strictly to the commission’s timetable and conduct their internal party congresses to select candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions.
He reiterated that compliance with these timelines would ensure a smooth nomination and electoral process.
According to the timetable released by BYSIEC, the notice of election takes effect from March 23, 2026. Political parties are expected to collect Forms F001 and F002 between August 29 and September 9, 2026, at the commission’s headquarters in Yenagoa.
The party primaries, including resolution of any disputes arising from them, are scheduled for September 11 to September 25, 2026, while campaigns will officially commence on November 3, 2026.
The submission of nomination forms (Forms F001 and F002) is slated between September 26 and October 3, 2026, with the publication of candidates’ personal particulars (Form F001) scheduled for October 25, 2026.
The deadline for withdrawal or replacement of candidates is October 17, 2026, while the final list of nominations must be submitted by October 3, 2026.
BYSIEC has also outlined that the official register of voters for the elections will be published on December 29, 2026, and the list of nominated candidates will be released on January 3, 2027. Details regarding polling day procedures, eligible voters, and polling unit locations will be made available on March 16, 2027.
To ensure voter awareness, the commission will carry out voter education and sensitization exercises from January 5 to January 12, 2027.
Additionally, the submission of names of party agents to electoral officers will close on March 16, 2027. Political campaigns will officially end at midnight on April 1, 2027, ahead of the April 3 elections.
Singabele affirmed that BYSIEC would continue to work closely with all stakeholders, holding regular consultative meetings to guarantee a hitch-free and transparent electoral process across the state.
