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, describing the exercise as a “kangaroo election” allegedly designed to favour the ruling party.
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), announced the decision on Sunday at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Bauchi.
The briefing was addressed by a chieftain of the ADC, Dr. Ladan Salihu, who said the parties had resolved to take a common position on the election.
Dr. Salihu said the election was being conducted under the 2008 Bauchi State Electoral Law, as reflected in the guidelines issued by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), which he claimed was in apparent conflict with the 2026 Electoral Act.
He argued that the development had created what he described as “A weak and questionable legal framework and legal foundation” for the conduct of the polls.
The opposition coalition also faulted what it described as excessive nomination and administrative fees imposed by BASIEC on candidates.
“The duplication of nomination and administrative charges for individual candidates, despite the fact that the entire exercise is funded by the state government from our Commonwealth, raises serious concerns,” Salihu said.
He alleged that the charges could weaken opposition parties financially, particularly when considered alongside campaign expenses, transportation, accommodation, publicity, security, agents and other logistical costs.
The coalition also criticised the electoral timetable, describing it as cumbersome and compressed.
Salihu said BASIEC restricted party primaries to July 15 and 17, collection of nomination forms to July 22 to 24, and submission of completed forms to July 27 to 29.
He argued that the timetable gave political parties only a few days to identify candidates, complete internal processes and assemble the required documentation.
According to him, insufficient time was provided for screening, appeals, correction of errors, substitution of candidates and resolution of internal disputes, while the campaign period was also extremely limited.
He further criticised the requirement for parties and candidates to process forms exclusively at the BASIEC headquarters in Bauchi, rather than at zonal or local government offices.
Salihu said the arrangement imposed additional transportation and administrative costs on opposition parties and candidates.
The coalition alleged that the overall arrangement was structured to guarantee victory for the ruling party.
“Everything is being predetermined to ensure that the ruling party gets a landslide and sweeping victory in the so-called elections,” he alleged.
He also expressed concern that some opposition parties might have been contacted, persuaded or financially induced to participate in the election in order to create the impression of broad-based participation.
According to him, the absence of what the coalition considered a level playing field remained a major obstacle to free, fair and credible competition, particularly because the ruling party controls government machinery and public resources while opposition parties largely depend on voluntary contributions.
In view of the concerns raised, Salihu announced that the coalition would not participate in the election under the present arrangement.
“Our decision not to participate under the present arrangement must not be mistaken for weakness or withdrawal from a democratic process. It is a principled and deliberate rejection of political manipulation, financial exclusion and an electoral process that does not guarantee free, fair and credible election,” he said.
He said the opposition parties would rather channel their limited resources towards mobilisation and strengthening their party structures than commit them to what they considered an unfair electoral process.
The coalition consequently called on BASIEC to postpone the election until the issues raised were addressed and a “Generous and genuine level playing field” was provided for all participating parties.
“We hereby announce our resolve, as opposition political parties, to boycott what we consider a kangaroo election. We will reconsider our position and participate only if these hurdles and restrictions are lifted,” Salihu said.
He warned that if BASIEC failed to address their concerns, the coalition would be left with no option but to take what he described as “Further action” it considered legitimate.
The opposition parties, however, reaffirmed their commitment to democracy and peaceful political participation, while praying for peace and progress in Bauchi State and Nigeria.
As of press time, BASIEC had not responded to the allegations raised by the opposition coalition.
