The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission has officially scheduled April 3, 2027, for the conduct of local government elections across the state, marking the beginning of a new electoral cycle that will determine grassroots leadership in all eight local government areas.
The commission’s chairman, Peter Singabele, announced the date on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Yenagoa. He assured political parties, voters, and observers that the process would be “free, fair, credible, and conclusive.”
“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 April 3, 2027,” Singabele stated, formally setting the stage for preparations.
He urged all registered political parties to adhere strictly to the commission’s timetable, particularly in organising internal congresses to select candidates for both chairmanship and councillorship positions.
According to the detailed schedule released, the notice of election takes effect from March 23, 2026. Political parties are expected to collect nomination forms—F001 and F002—between August 29 and September 9, 2026, at the commission’s headquarters.
Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, are slated for September 11 to September 25, 2026, while campaigns will officially commence on November 3, 2026. The submission of nomination forms is fixed for September 26 to October 3, 2026, with October 17 set as the deadline for withdrawal or substitution of candidates.
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The commission also outlined key milestones leading up to the election. The publication of candidates’ personal particulars will occur on October 25, 2026, while the official register of voters is expected to be released on December 29, 2026. A final list of nominated candidates will follow on January 3, 2027.
Voter education and sensitisation programmes are scheduled for January 5 to January 12, 2027, underscoring the commission’s commitment to public awareness and participation. Campaigns will end at midnight on April 1, 2027, two days before voters head to the polls.
Details regarding polling units, eligible voters, and election-day procedures will be made public on March 16, 2027—the same day political parties are required to submit the names of their agents.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, security agencies, and media representatives, reflecting a collaborative approach to ensuring a smooth electoral process.
Singabele reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to work closely with all stakeholders through continuous consultations, expressing confidence that the process would strengthen democratic governance at the grassroots level in Bayelsa State.