The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno State has taken the unusual step of announcing its withdrawal from the upcoming local government elections scheduled to take place in the state, citing deep concerns about the conduct and fairness of the electoral process. The decision was made public on Friday following a meeting of the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) in Maiduguri, where leaders deliberated at length on whether the party could in good conscience participate in the polls.
In a statement signed by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Amos Adziba, the PDP articulated several reasons for its withdrawal, chief among them a profound lack of confidence in the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) — the body mandated to organise and oversee the elections. Party officials argued that the commission has not demonstrated the level of impartiality or transparency needed to instill trust among opposition parties, making meaningful participation in the process untenable. According to the PDP leadership, this perceived deficit of credibility poses a serious impediment to free and fair local government polls.
Another issue raised by the party is the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms, which it claims places an undue financial burden on candidates — particularly members of opposition parties — and runs counter to the prevailing economic challenges facing Nigerians. The PDP argued that these costs further discourage broad‑based participation and exacerbate inequities in the electoral process.
Beyond concerns about electoral administration and fees, the party also criticised the failure of the Borno State government to amend key provisions of the electoral framework. In particular, the PDP said it had sought changes that would require council‑level results to be announced at polling wards and chairmanship outcomes to be declared at local government headquarters, a reform it believes would improve transparency and reduce opportunities for manipulation. With such changes not forthcoming, the party expressed fear that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could take advantage of the status quo to dominate results unfairly, dismissing the prospect of a level playing field.
The withdrawal comes amid broader discussions in the state’s political circles about the purpose and integrity of local government elections in an environment where suspicion between opposition and the ruling party often runs high. While the APC in Borno has indicated its readiness to contest and participate fully in the elections, the PDP’s exit underscores ongoing tensions between political parties and the state’s electoral management structures.
The PDP has urged its supporters to remain calm and law‑abiding despite the decision, affirming commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. The party said it would continue to monitor developments closely and consider its options going forward, including any legal or political avenues to address its concerns over electoral credibility. As the scheduled date for the polls approaches, Borno’s political landscape is likely to remain tense, with residents and stakeholders watching closely how the situation unfolds.
