By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
A coalition of opposition political parties in Bauchi State has announced a total boycott of the local government elections scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, describing the exercise as a “kangaroo election” designed to favor the ruling party.
The coalition comprising the African Democratic Congress (ADC), African Action Congress (AAC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—disclosed this during a joint press conference in Bauchi.
Leaders of the parties stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was also expected to join the initiative.
Reading a joint statement on behalf of the coalition, the spokesperson, Dr Ladan Salihu expressed regret that despite the enthusiasm and readiness of their aspirants to contest across various constituencies, the electoral environment has been heavily compromised.
The opposition leaders alleged that the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) is conducting the 2026 polls using the state’s 2008 electoral law.
They argued that this framework directly contradicts the national Electoral Act 2026, from which BASIEC derives its ultimate authority, thereby creating a weak and legally vulnerable foundation for the election.
The coalition strongly condemned what it described as “excessive and prohibitive” nomination and administrative charges imposed on candidates.
They questioned the motives behind the duplication of these fees, given that the entire electoral process is funded by the state government.
According to the parties, the high costs appear calculated to financially drain opposition parties and diminish their competitive capacity, especially since they rely on voluntary member contributions while the ruling party controls public resources.
The coalition further picked holes in BASIEC’s cumbersome and compressed election timetable, pointing Key grievances.
“Detailed guidelines were reportedly released only after the timetable had already been published, Political parties were restricted to a mere two-day window (July 15–17) to conduct party primaries.
“Candidates were given only two days (July 22–24) to collect nomination forms and another two days (July 27–29) to return them, leaving insufficient time for documentation, screening, appeals, or dispute resolutions. BASIEC mandated that all forms be processed exclusively at its headquarters in Bauchi city, imposing heavy transportation and administrative burdens on rural candidates” The Coalition said
The coalition also raised the alarm over alleged attempts by the state government to create an illusion of broad participation, claiming some opposition fragments had been cajoled, stampeded, or financially induced to join the ballot to legitimize the process.
“We have resolved not to expand our members’ hard-earned but meager resources on a process where genuine democratic competition has been compromised. Everything is being predetermined to ensure that the ruling party gets a sweeping victory” The statement read.
The opposition emphasized that the boycott is a principled rejection of political manipulation rather than a sign of weakness, stating that their resources would be rechanneled into party mobilization and structure-building instead.
The coalition demanded an immediate postponement of the local government elections until BASIEC addresses the listed grievances and provides a level playing field.
They warned that if the commission fails to resolve these challenges, they will be left with no option but to take legitimate legal or political actions.
