Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, cast his ballot in the local government chairmanship and councillorship elections held across the state on Saturday. The governor voted at Ajari II Polling Unit 006 in Mafa Ward, Mafa Local Government Area, accompanied by several government officials and party supporters, including the member representing Mafa in the Borno State House of Assembly, Baba Ali Modu, and the Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Babagana Mallumbe.
Following the exercise, Zulum expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election and the turnout of voters in the area. He described the poll as peaceful and orderly, noting that the level of participation was commendable. The governor viewed the local government elections as a test run for future elections, expressing optimism about his party’s prospects in subsequent contests.
The local government elections were conducted in all 27 local government areas and 312 wards of Borno State, with six political parties participating. The exercise is seen as a significant step in the state’s democratic process, providing an opportunity for citizens to elect their representatives at the local level. The elections were also observed to be generally peaceful, with no major incidents reported.
The governor’s participation in the election highlights the importance of citizen engagement in the democratic process. As a key stakeholder in the state’s governance, Zulum’s involvement demonstrates his commitment to the electoral process and his desire to see the will of the people expressed through free and fair elections.
With the elections now concluded, attention will turn to the announcement of results and the inauguration of newly elected officials. The outcome of the polls is expected to have significant implications for the state’s governance and development, as newly elected chairmen and councillors begin their terms in office. As Borno State looks to the future, the successful conduct of the local government elections marks an important milestone in the state’s democratic journey.
