Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has made a surprising statement regarding the Saturday local government elections, saying there is neither a winner nor a loser.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected chairpersons at the government House in Bauchi on Sunday, Governor Mohammed said PDP’s victory reflected the satisfaction of citizens with the performance of state government over the last five years.
This comes after the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission announced the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of all chairmanship positions.
He also emphasized the importance of local government autonomy and the need for chairpersons to meet the electorate’s standards, according to Leadership.
The governor’s statement follows concerns raised by opposition parties about the credibility of the election results, citing alleged irregularities during the exercise.
Despite this, Governor Mohammed has assured continued collaboration between the state government and local government councils to foster rapid development across the state.
The local government elections saw 17 political parties participate, with the PDP emerging as the dominant party.
This outcome has sparked debate about the need for an independent electoral body to conduct council elections to ensure nonpartisanship.
However, this round of council election came after the Supreme Court judgement granted full autonomy to local governments in the country.
Declaring the poll result, BASIEC Chairman, Ahmed Makama said the PDP won all chairmanship seats in the election.
The chairman added that the contest was free, fair, credible and devoid of any irregularities.
He said that Hassan Bajam won in Alkaleri; Mahmood Baba Ma’aji, Bauchi; Lawi Sum, Bogoro; Yakubu Tela, Dambam; Sama’ila Sade, Darazo; Muhammad Jibo, Dass; Madaki Gololo, Gamawa; Mohammed Miya, Ganjuwa; Usman Saleh, Giade.
Others are Hajara Gidado, Itas-Gadau; Inuwa Abdullahi, Jama’are; Yusuf Zaki, Katagum; Abdulkadir Dewu, Kirfi; Salisu Hussain, Misau; Nasiru Zakarai, Ningi; Abdullahi Beli, Shira; Sama’ila Lere, Tafawa Balewa; Ibrahim Dembo, Toro; Aminu Barmini, Warji and Adamu Yakubu, Zaki.
PDP is the ruling party in the state. The outcome of the election follows a pattern of the party in control of the state recording total dominance in such subnational elections.