LG poll: Not our business to compel participation, Borno electoral body tells PDP

File copy of Ballot box

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The Borno State Independent Electoral Commission has dismissed concerns over the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party from Saturday’s local government elections, saying it is not the commission’s “business” to compel any political party to participate.

Chairman of BOSIEC, Tahir Shettima, stated this on Friday during a press briefing in Maiduguri, noting that the commission was operating strictly within constitutional provisions and in the interest of the six political parties taking part in the polls.

His comment followed a statement issued earlier on Friday by the state PDP spokesperson, Amos Adziba, announcing the party’s decision to boycott the election over distrust in the commission and what it described as the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms.

The PDP spokesperson said the decision was reached at a recent State Executive Committee meeting in Maiduguri.

In the statement titled, “Why we’re boycotting Borno LG polls,” the PDP alleged that BOSIEC had failed to provide substantial assurances to build confidence in the credibility and fairness of the process.

It read, “The leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno State has disclosed that it won’t participate in the December 13th, 2025 local government elections in the state because of the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms as well as lack of trust in the electoral body.”

Condemning the cost of forms, Adziba said, “PDP alleged that the state electoral body is unmindful of the harsh prevailing economic challenges in the country by demanding high purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms.”

He added that the state government failed to amend the electoral bill to allow councillorship results to be declared at ward level and chairmanship results at local government headquarters.

“Since the state government has not amended the bill, it means that it will be business as usual for the APC to ambush other political parties with electoral frauds,” he said.

BOSIEC’s response

Responding, Shettima said stakeholders, including political parties, were consulted before the fees were determined.

“Fixing of price is within the confine of our powers. We did not even fix this price unilaterally; we have had series of engagement with political parties where we arrived at this amount,” he said.

“If you come, we will not stop you. If you do not come, it is not our business. However, it is our desire to see many players and political parties coming to play the game. We have six parties on board participating. What do you want us to do? Our hands are tied by rules, regulations and law. We cannot force anybody to come and participate.”

Shettima noted that the chairman forms cost N500,000, describing the amount as reasonable compared with fees in other states given the inflationary environment.

“This alone shows that we are responsible and fully aware of the economic predicament of those who are going to contest and the general public,” he said.

He assured that the commission had concluded preparations for the election.

“We are prepared for the elections tomorrow. We have trained the ad hoc staff and our staff, and they are now in their respective LGAs to ensure smooth and credible voting.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s elections and hope for credible and transparent results,” he added.

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