By Our Correspondent
National News – The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed April 3, 2027, for the conduct of chairmanship and councillorship elections across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.
The announcement was made on Monday, March 23, 2026, by the commission’s chairman, Peter Singabele, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the commission’s conference room in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The commission said the decision was taken in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and aims to ensure a transparent and credible grassroots electoral process.
Singabele explained that the election will determine new chairmen and councillors in all eight local government areas of the state.
According to him, the commission has already released a detailed timetable to guide political parties, electoral officials, and voters ahead of the polls.
He emphasised that the electoral body will work with stakeholders to ensure the process remains free, fair, credible, and conclusive.
As part of preparations, the notice of election takes effect from March 23, 2026.
Political parties are expected to begin collecting nomination forms F001 and F002 from the commission’s headquarters in Yenagoa between August 29 and September 9, 2026.
Party primaries and resolution of disputes arising from them are scheduled to take place between September 11 and September 25, 2026.
The timetable further indicates that political campaigns will officially begin on November 3, 2026, allowing candidates to present their agendas to voters across the state.
Submission of nomination forms is expected to run from September 26 to October 3, 2026, while the commission will publish the personal particulars of candidates on October 25, 2026.
The deadline for withdrawal or replacement of candidates has been fixed for October 17, 2026, while the official register of voters will be published on December 29, 2026.
The list of nominated candidates is expected to be released on January 3, 2027.
To ensure adequate voter participation, the commission plans to conduct voter education and sensitisation programmes from January 5 to January 12, 2027.
Details of polling units, eligible voters, and polling day procedures will be released on March 16, 2027.
Campaigns will officially end at midnight on April 1, 2027, two days before voters head to the polls on April 3, 2027 to elect new local government leaders.
The commission also pledged to collaborate with political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
