Borno LG poll: PDP, ADC logos missing on ballot paper

Borno LG poll: PDP, ADC logos missing on ballot paper

As Borno electorates cast votes to elect representatives for chairmanship and councilorship positions, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) logos were missing on the ballot paper.

Earlier, both PDP and ADC have issued statements saying they would not take part in the Saturday’s election.

Our correspondent, who went round Maiduguri, the state capital, Jere and of Konduga local government areas reported low turnout of voters at different polling units but the election began at 8:00 am.

He, however, observed that the ballot paper, which featured the logos of six political parties, does not carry that of the PDP and ADC.

The parties on the ballot are All Progressives Congress (APC), Boot Party, Labour Party (LP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ,(NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The PDP, through its spokesperson in Borno State, Amos Adziba, said on Friday that the party has withdrawn from the poll on the grounds of distrust of the commission and the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms.

He also alleged that the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission did not give opposition parties sufficient reasons to build confidence in the credibility and fairness of the election.

“The leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Borno State has disclosed that it will not participate in the December 13, 2025 local government elections in the state because of the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms, as well as lack of trust in the electoral body.” he said.

Reacting, the Chairman of the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission, Tahir Shettima, said the commission was working in accordance with the constitution and in the interest of all political parties that showed interest in the election.

He noted that the commission had consulted all the stakeholders throughout the election process, including fixing the nomination forms price.

“On the matter of fixing prices for forms, our chairmanship form is ₦500,000. A comparative analysis of what is obtained in other states of the federation shows it is reasonable, considering the current inflationary situation.

“The fixing of prices is within the confines of our powers. We did not fix these prices unilaterally. We had a series of engagements with political parties where we arrived at the figures.

“If you come, we will not stop you. If you do not come, it is not our business. However, it is our desire to see many players and political parties participating. At this stage, we have six parties on board. Our hands are tied by rules, regulations and the law. We cannot force anybody to participate,” he said.