Borno State Independent Electoral Commission, BOSIEC, has dismissed concerns over the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Saturday’s local government elections, insisting that it is not the commission’s responsibility to compel any political party to participate.
The Chairman of BOSIEC, Tahir Shettima, stated this on Friday during a press briefing in Maiduguri, stressing that the commission is operating strictly within constitutional provisions and in the interest of political parties that have chosen to take part in the polls.
DAILY POST reports that the reaction follows the PDP’s announcement earlier on Friday that it would boycott the December 13 local government elections, citing alleged lack of trust in the electoral body and the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms.
The PDP’s position was conveyed in a statement by its state spokesperson, Amos Adziba, who said the decision was reached at a State Executive Committee meeting in Maiduguri.
Responding, Shettima said BOSIEC consulted widely with stakeholders, including political parties, before fixing the fees.
“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.
The BOSIEC chairman said six political parties are participating in the election and described the N500,000 fee for chairmanship forms as reasonable when compared with charges in other states.
Shettima also assured residents that the commission has concluded preparations for the polls.
Borno LG polls: BOSIEC defends electoral process amid PDP withdrawal
