By Isiyaka Ismail Wunti
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State says the withdrawal of some opposition political parties and candidates from the 2026 local government elections will not undermine the legitimacy of the exercise across the state.
The Governor stated this shortly after casting his ballot at Bakin Dutse 008 Polling Unit at Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area, where voters turned out to participate in the elections.
Bala Mohammed described the election as successful and expressed confidence that the electoral authorities had conducted the exercise in accordance with relevant electoral laws.
According to him, the decision by some opposition groups to withdraw from the election was unfortunate, stressing that it could not prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote and elect their representatives at the grassroots.
He urged voters to remain calm and responsible, emphasizing that political differences should not create tension or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections in communities across the state.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and grassroots governance, assuring citizens that their votes would continue to play a vital role in determining leadership and development across the state.