Major opposition political parties in Bauchi State have announced a boycott of the August 17, 2025 (today) local council election less than 24 hours to its commencement, alleging that it was being conducted under conditions that do not guarantee free, fair and credible polls.

The decision was announced yesterday by a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and spokesperson for the opposition coalition, Dr Ladan Salihu, during a press conference in Bauchi.

They alleged that the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) created financial, administrative and legal barriers that made effective participation in the election practically impossible.

The coalition comprises the ADC, African Action Congress (AAC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), with Salihu saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) was also expected to join the boycott.

Salihu explained that the 2026 council election was being conducted under the 2008 electoral law, which he said is inconsistent with the 2026 Electoral Act from which BASIEC derives its authority.

He added that the opposition parties were particularly concerned about excessive nomination and administrative fees, a compressed electoral timetable, limited time for party primaries and inadequate opportunities for screening, appeals, substitutions and the resolution of internal disputes.

According to Salihu, “the evident absence of a level playing field has made meaningful participation financially unreasonable and impractical.”

He further criticised the requirement for nomination processes to be handled exclusively at the BASIEC headquarters in Bauchi, arguing that the measure imposed additional transportation and administrative costs on political parties and their candidates.

Going forward, the opposition called on BASIEC to postpone the election and address the concerns or face legal action.