The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno State, Nigeria, has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government elections scheduled for December 13, 2025. According to a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Amos Adziba, the decision was made during a recent State Executive Committee meeting in Maiduguri.

The PDP cited a lack of confidence in the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) and the high costs of expression of interest and nomination forms as reasons for its decision. The party alleges that BOSIEC has failed to provide adequate assurance of the elections’ credibility and fairness, despite being the leading opposition party in the state.

The high cost of nomination forms has also been cited as a significant factor, with the PDP arguing that the state electoral body is unaware of the prevailing economic challenges in the country. The party claims that this financial burden will disproportionately affect opposition parties, potentially undermining the democratic process.

Furthermore, the PDP has expressed concerns over the government’s failure to amend the electoral bill, which would enable councilor results to be declared at the ward level and chairmanship results at local government headquarters. This, the party believes, will allow the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to exploit the system and perpetuate electoral fraud.

The PDP’s withdrawal from the local government elections is significant, as it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria. The country has a history of electoral disputes and controversies, and the PDP’s decision is likely to raise concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.

The Borno State local government elections were scheduled to take place on December 13, 2025, but the PDP’s withdrawal is likely to impact the outcome. The party’s decision may also have implications for future elections in the state, as it highlights the need for electoral reform and increased transparency. As the electoral process continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the PDP’s withdrawal will affect the democratic landscape in Borno State and beyond.