Borno LG polls: BOSIEC defends electoral process after PDP’s withdrawal

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

Concerns regarding the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to withdraw from Saturday’s local government elections have been ignored by the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC), which maintains that it is not its duty to force any political party to take part.

During a news conference in Maiduguri on Friday, BOSIEC Chairman Tahir Shettima made this statement, emphasizing that the commission is acting entirely in accordance with constitutional rules and in the best interests of the political parties that have opted to participate in the elections.

According to sources, the response comes after the PDP declared earlier on Friday that it will abstain from the local government elections on December 13 due to a purported lack of confidence in the electoral authority and the hefty cost of nomination and expression of interest forms.

Amos Adziba, the PDP’s state spokesperson, stated in a statement that the decision was made at a State Executive Committee meeting in Maiduguri.

In response, Shettima stated that before determining the costs, BOSIEC held extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including political parties.

“Fixing of prices is within the confines of our powers. We did not do this unilaterally. We had series of engagements with political parties before arriving at the amount,” he said.

He added that participation in the election remains voluntary. “If you come, we will not stop you. If you do not come, it is not our business. We cannot force anybody to participate. Our hands are tied by rules, regulations and the law,” Shettima stated.

Six political parties are running in the election, according to the BOSIEC chairman, who also noted that the N500,000 chairmanship form price is fair when compared to fees in other states.

Additionally, Shettima reassured locals that the commission had finished getting ready for the polls.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.