Residents Turn Out for Borno LG Polls as BOSIEC Assures Transparency, Security
By Alkali Muhammad Musa, Maiduguri
Residents of Borno State on Saturday turned out across various communities to cast their ballots in the 2025 local government council elections, as the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, security, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
From the early hours of the morning, voters were seen at polling units in Maiduguri and several local government areas, exercising their civic responsibility to elect chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors who will pilot the affairs of their councils for the next tenure.
Although participation in the exercise was voluntary, the presence of voters in different wards reflected growing public interest in grassroots governance and local representation.
The conduct of the elections followed weeks of preparation by BOSIEC, which had earlier confirmed the completion of all logistical and administrative arrangements.
Sensitive and non-sensitive election materials were successfully distributed to the state’s 27 local government areas under tight security, with political party representatives, civil society organisations, election observers, and the media present to witness the process.
Speaking on the elections, BOSIEC Chairman, Dr Tahiru Shettima, reiterated that the Commission was discharging its constitutional mandate to conduct local government elections in line with established legal frameworks.
He stressed that participation by political parties and individuals remained optional, noting that the Commission neither compelled nor pressured any group to take part in the polls.
According to Dr Shettima, preparations for the elections began shortly after the announcement of the poll date in July, in compliance with constitutional requirements for adequate notice.
He explained that BOSIEC operated strictly within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission Law, and the Electoral Act 2022, adding that legal compliance was essential for the credibility and legitimacy of the process.
Across polling units visited, security personnel were visibly deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of voters and election officials. BOSIEC confirmed that it had formally notified relevant security authorities ahead of the elections and maintained close coordination with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other paramilitary agencies operating in the state.
Residents in some areas described the voting process as calm and orderly, commending the presence of security agencies and the organisation of polling units.
Observers also noted that electoral officials arrived on time in several locations, with voting materials readily available.
The elections featured candidates from six political parties that formally notified BOSIEC of their intention to participate.
These include the All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Labour Party, the Good Party, and other registered parties.
Candidates emerged through party primaries conducted independently by the parties, with BOSIEC observing strictly in line with its guidelines.
All candidates were screened in an open and transparent process at the Commission’s headquarters in Maiduguri, involving representatives of security agencies and relevant government institutions.
BOSIEC said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that only qualified candidates participated in the polls.
Dr Shettima also acknowledged the role of the media in strengthening democracy, urging journalists to report responsibly and avoid the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
He further commended the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for sustaining democratic governance at the grassroots, noting that the ongoing polls mark the third local government election conducted under the present administration.
He added that the elections were in line with constitutional provisions and Supreme Court judgments affirming the need for democratically elected local government leadership.
As voting progressed across the state, BOSIEC expressed confidence that the elections would be peaceful and credible, reflecting the will of the people.
The Commission maintained that credible leadership at the local government level remains critical to effective service delivery and the consolidation of democracy in Borno State.
For many residents, the turnout at polling units symbolised a renewed commitment to participatory governance, with voters expressing hope that those elected would address local challenges and bring development closer to the grassroots.
