Borno PDP Pulls Out of LG Elections Cites Lack of Confidence in Process

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno State has declared that it will not take part in the local government elections scheduled for December 13, citing doubts about the fairness of the electoral process and concerns over the financial requirements imposed on political aspirants.

The decision followed deliberations during a meeting of the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) held in Maiduguri, where members assessed the preparations for the upcoming polls.

After reviewing the situation, party officials concluded that the current electoral environment does not provide sufficient assurance for a credible contest.

Doubts Raised About Electoral Commission’s Neutrality

In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Amos Adziba, the PDP expressed strong reservations about the role of the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC).

According to the party, the electoral body has failed to demonstrate the level of neutrality and transparency required to convince opposition parties that the election will be conducted fairly.

Adziba stated that the commission did not provide meaningful guarantees that the process would be credible or impartial.

Cost of Nomination Forms Sparks Criticism

Another issue that contributed to the PDP’s withdrawal was the price attached to nomination and expression-of-interest forms for prospective candidates.

Party officials argued that the fees demanded by the electoral body are excessively high and insensitive to the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians.

They warned that such financial barriers could discourage participation and limit the ability of aspiring candidates to contest for public office.

Concerns Over Electoral Law and Result Announcement

The PDP also criticized the state government for declining to amend the electoral bill to address concerns about the announcement and collation of results.

Party leaders believe that clearer rules regarding where election results are declared would help strengthen transparency.

Among the adjustments the PDP proposed were:

Councillorship election results should be announced at ward level
Chairmanship results should be declared at local government headquarters
The collation process should be structured to prevent manipulation

According to the party, failing to implement these measures leaves room for irregularities during the election process.

Allegations Against the Ruling Party

The opposition party also suggested that the current electoral arrangement could benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP leaders expressed concern that without reforms, the system may allow unfair practices that could disadvantage other political parties participating in the election.

These concerns formed part of the broader reasons behind the party’s decision to boycott the polls.

APC Moves Forward With Election Plans

Despite the PDP’s withdrawal, the ruling APC has confirmed its intention to fully participate in the local government elections.

Earlier in October, the party’s state chairman Bello Ayuba stated that the APC had already notified the electoral commission of its readiness to contest in the upcoming polls.

The party appears confident that preparations are proceeding as scheduled and that the election will go ahead.

Commentary and Analysis

The PDP’s decision to step away from the local government elections highlights ongoing tensions surrounding electoral credibility in some parts of Nigeria.

Boycotts by opposition parties often reflect deeper concerns about transparency, institutional trust, and fairness within the political system.

However, election withdrawals can also have complex consequences. While they may draw attention to perceived flaws in the process, they can also reduce political competition and limit voter choice.

For Borno State, the situation now raises questions about how inclusive the upcoming elections will be and whether dialogue between political actors could still address some of the concerns raised.

As the December polls approach, the response of electoral authorities and other political stakeholders may determine whether confidence in the process can be restored.