Local government elections were successfully conducted on Saturday, December 13, in Borno State, with residents casting votes for chairmanship and councillorship positions across various polling units. This electoral exercise proceeded despite the significant absence of major opposition parties, notably the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), from the ballot papers.

The Peoples Democratic Party had officially announced its withdrawal from the elections earlier on Friday, citing a profound lack of trust in the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) and expressing concerns over the high cost of expression of interest and nomination forms. According to the party’s state spokesperson, Amos Adziba, this decision was reached following a State Executive Committee meeting in Maiduguri. The PDP spokesperson further alleged that BOSIEC failed to provide sufficient reasons for opposition parties to build confidence in the credibility and fairness of the election process. The cost of chairmanship forms, specifically ₦500,000, was a particular point of contention for the party.

In response to the PDP's withdrawal and concerns, BOSIEC Chairman, Tahir Shettima, affirmed the commission's adherence to constitutional provisions. During a press briefing in Maiduguri, Shettima emphasized that it is not BOSIEC’s responsibility to compel any political party to participate in the elections, stating that participation remains entirely voluntary. He clarified that the commission engaged extensively with stakeholders, including political parties, before finalizing the fees for the nomination forms. Shettima described the ₦500,000 fee for chairmanship forms as reasonable, particularly when compared to charges in other states, and noted that BOSIEC operates strictly in the interest of the parties that chose to take part. He also assured the public that all preparations for the polls had been concluded.

On Election Day, voting commenced peacefully around 8:00 am or 8:30 am, with journalists observing orderly proceedings at polling centers in Konduga Local Government Area and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. While some reports indicated low voter turnout in parts of Maiduguri, Jere, and Konduga, other accounts praised a high turnout. Voters interviewed at various polling units generally described the exercise as peaceful and orderly, commending electoral officials for their professionalism, though one voter in Maiduguri called for clearer communication regarding movement restrictions.

Six political parties ultimately participated in the elections: the All Progressives Congress (APC), Boot Party, Labour Party (LP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress, Ali Bukar Dalori, lauded the voter turnout and the orderly conduct of the elections. After casting his vote at Dalori/Wanori Primary School, Kajeri polling unit in Konduga Local Government Area, Dalori characterized the public's participation as a clear demonstration of trust in the democratic process, rule of law, and grassroots inclusivity. He commended all stakeholders, including BOSIEC and security agencies, for ensuring a smooth exercise. Dalori expressed strong optimism that the APC would emerge victorious across all elective positions, including chairmanship and councillorship seats in all 27 local government areas, attributing this confidence to Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration and its numerous people-oriented projects.