A coalition of opposition political parties in Bauchi State has announced its decision to boycott the local government elections scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, alleging that the electoral process is neither free nor fair.
The coalition, comprising the African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Action Congress (AAC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), made its position known on Saturday during a world press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Bauchi.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, the ADC National Office spokesperson, Dr. Ladan Salihu, described the forthcoming election as a process that, in its present form, does not provide a level playing field for all participating political parties.
Dr. Salihu said the coalition's decision was based on what it described as serious concerns over the legal framework, nomination fees, electoral timetable and other guidelines issued by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC).
According to him, the election is being conducted under the 2008 Bauchi State Electoral Law, which he alleged was inconsistent with provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act. He argued that the situation had created what he described as a "weak and questionable legal framework" for the conduct of the polls.
The opposition parties also faulted what they described as excessive nomination and administrative fees imposed on candidates, arguing that the financial requirements placed an additional burden on opposition parties already struggling to finance campaigns, logistics and mobilisation.
The coalition further criticised the electoral timetable, which it described as "cumbersome and compressed", saying the limited period provided for party primaries, nomination form collection and submission left insufficient time for screening, appeals, correction of errors, substitution of candidates and resolution of internal disputes.
Dr. Salihu also questioned the requirement for candidates and parties to process electoral documents exclusively at the BASIEC headquarters in Bauchi, rather than through zonal or local government offices.
He said the arrangement imposed additional transportation and administrative costs on political parties and candidates across the state.
The coalition alleged that the overall arrangement was designed to give the ruling party an advantage and ensure a sweeping victory at the polls.
"Everything is being predetermined to ensure that the ruling party gets a landslide and sweeping victory in the so-called elections," Dr. Salihu alleged.
He also expressed concern that some opposition parties could have been approached or financially induced to participate in the election, which he said could create an impression of wider political participation despite the concerns raised by the coalition.
The opposition parties consequently called for the immediate postponement of the election to allow BASIEC to address the issues raised and provide what they described as a "genuine and generous level playing field" for all political parties.
Dr. Salihu stressed that the boycott should not be interpreted as a rejection of democracy, but rather as a protest against what the coalition considers an unfair electoral arrangement.
"Our decision not to participate under the present arrangement must not be mistaken for weakness or withdrawal from a democratic process," he said, adding that the parties remained committed to democratic principles and peaceful political participation.
The coalition said it would reconsider its decision and participate in the election if the alleged restrictions and impediments were removed.
It also warned that if BASIEC failed to address its concerns, the opposition parties would consider other legitimate actions available to them.
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its commitment to democracy, peaceful political engagement and the progress of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
As of press time, BASIEC had not responded to the allegations raised by the opposition coalition.
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