Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has declared that the upcoming local government elections in the state will serve as a crucial “litmus test” for the performance and readiness of his administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Governor made the statement while emphasizing the significance of democratic participation at the grassroots level and demanding a transparent, violence-free, and fair electoral process.
Borno State, which has faced significant security challenges from insurgency, successfully held its first local government elections in 13 years in 2020. The current political contest is viewed as vital for consolidating peace and rebuilding civil structures.
Governor Zulum’s assertion frames the LG poll as a direct measure of public satisfaction with his administration’s ongoing efforts in reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement across the state’s 27 local government areas.
The LG elections are key to restoring the constitutional functions of the local councils, which are critical for effective security monitoring and service delivery at the grassroots, especially in areas recently cleared of insurgents.
As the incumbent governor leading the APC, Zulum is keen to ensure a strong showing, which he believes will establish the party’s political dominance and set the tone for all future elections in the state, including the 2027 gubernatorial and presidential contests.
Given Borno’s unique security context, the success of the election will not only be judged by the results but also by the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
The Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) and security agencies are expected to enforce strict security protocols to safeguard voters, electoral officials, and materials, particularly in vulnerable areas.
The election will also gauge the level of political interest and engagement of citizens, particularly those who have been displaced and have recently returned to their ancestral homes.
The results of the LG elections will offer early indications of the current political alignment and challenges facing all parties operating in the North-East region.
