The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno State, Nigeria, has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming local government elections scheduled for December 13. This decision comes after a meeting of the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) in Maiduguri, where concerns about the electoral process were raised.

According to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Amos Adziba, the PDP’s decision to boycott the elections is primarily due to a lack of confidence in the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) and the high costs associated with participating in the elections. The party has expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral body’s failure to provide adequate assurances of the elections’ credibility and fairness.

The PDP has also criticized the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms, which it believes is excessive and insensitive to the prevailing economic challenges in the country. Furthermore, the party has expressed concerns about the government’s failure to amend the electoral bill, which would allow for the declaration of councilor results at the ward level and chairmanship results at local government headquarters.

The PDP’s withdrawal from the elections is significant, as it is the leading opposition party in Borno State. The party’s decision may impact the outcome of the elections, which are scheduled to take place in just a few days. The BOSIEC has not yet responded to the PDP’s allegations, and it remains to be seen how the electoral body will address the party’s concerns.

The local government elections in Borno State are an important aspect of the country’s democratic process, and the PDP’s withdrawal may raise questions about the legitimacy of the elections. The party’s decision to boycott the elections may also have implications for the state’s political landscape, particularly in relation to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As the elections approach, it is likely that there will be increased scrutiny of the electoral process and the actions of the BOSIEC. The PDP’s withdrawal has highlighted the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. With the elections scheduled for December 13, all eyes will be on Borno State as the political parties and electoral body navigate this challenging situation.