The Kebbi State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially withdrawn from the upcoming local government council elections, scheduled for August 31.
The announcement was made by the party’s state chairman, Alhaji Bello Usman-Suru, during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Usman-Suru outlined several key reasons for the party’s decision, citing a lack of confidence in the impartiality of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM). He accused the commission’s chairman and commissioners of being card-carrying members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Kebbi State.
“Organising free, fair, and credible elections will be a mirage under the current SIECOM leadership,” Usman-Suru asserted. The PDP had previously expressed its concerns regarding these appointments to the Kebbi State Government and other relevant electoral agencies, but received no satisfactory response.
Administrative Fee Controversy
The PDP chairman also criticised the imposition of administrative fees for candidatures, as outlined in the election guidelines. According to Usman-Suru, these fees have disenfranchised some candidates and violated the principle of free choice for candidates, political parties, and the electorate.
“The election guidelines initially allowed the administrative fees to be paid up until August 30, but this deadline was abruptly moved to August 7,” Usman-Suru said. “This change in rules mid-process is a clear attempt to discourage opposition parties from participating.”
Call for INEC Involvement
Reflecting on the broader implications, Usman-Suru appealed to PDP members across Kebbi State’s 21 local government areas to remain calm and focused. He expressed hope that the National Assembly would pass legislation enabling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manage local government elections, ensuring they are free, fair, and credible.
“The PDP’s participation in these elections would only legitimise a fraudulent system,” Usman-Suru stated, referencing similar concerns raised during the 2022 local government elections conducted under the same SIECOM leadership.
