Opposition Parties Boycott Bauchi Local Government Elections

Several opposition political parties in Bauchi State have announced their decision to boycott Monday’s local government elections, describing the exercise as a “kangaroo election” allegedly designed to favour the ruling Allied People’s Movement (APM).

The coalition comprises the African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Action Congress (AAC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The parties announced their decision during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Bauchi on Sunday.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, ADC National Spokesperson Dr Ladan Salihu said the parties had agreed to jointly reject the election under what they described as an unfair electoral arrangement. He added that the Bauchi State APC chairman was also expected to join the coalition.

The opposition parties raised concerns over the legal framework guiding the election, nomination and administrative fees, the compressed electoral timetable, and the limited period available for campaigns and internal party processes.

They accused the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) of imposing excessive fees and creating additional financial burdens for political parties and candidates.

The coalition also criticised the requirement that election-related forms be processed exclusively at the BASIEC headquarters in Bauchi, saying this would impose unnecessary transportation and administrative costs on candidates and political parties.

According to the opposition parties, the electoral arrangements appeared to favour the ruling party, which they alleged had greater access to government machinery and public resources.

The coalition insisted that its decision to boycott the election should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from democracy.

“Our decision not to participate under the present arrangement must not be mistaken for weakness or withdrawal from a democratic process,” the parties said.

They called on BASIEC to postpone the election and address their concerns by providing what they described as a genuine and level playing field for all political parties.

The opposition parties said they would reconsider their boycott if the alleged restrictions and concerns were addressed, while reaffirming their commitment to peaceful democratic participation in Bauchi State and Nigeria.

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