Opposition Parties Boycott Bauchi Local Government Elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and other opposition parties have announced a boycott of the upcoming local government elections in Bauchi. At a joint press conference on Sunday, spokesperson Dr Ladan Salihu criticized the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) for conducting the elections under the 2008 electoral law, which contradicts the national Electoral Act 2026.

The coalition condemned the high nomination and administrative charges, claiming they are designed to financially disadvantage opposition parties. They also criticized BASIEC's election timetable, which allowed only two days for party primaries and nomination form collection, creating logistical challenges for candidates.

The coalition stated that the boycott is a principled stand against political manipulation and called for an immediate postponement of the elections until their concerns are addressed. Hajiya Jummai Sadiq, Chairperson of BASIEC, denied the allegations, asserting that the commission is operating within legal parameters and will proceed with the elections as scheduled.