By Sam Kayode
Governor Babagana Zulum has voted in today’s council election which took place in the 27 council areas of Borno State.
The Governor who voted at Ajari two polling unit 006 in Mafa Central Ward, headquarters of Mafa council area cast his vote at about 12.23pm this afternoon.
Professor Zulum, cast his vote at this year’s council election held across the 27 local council areas and 312 political wards in Borno State today.
The election was contested by six political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Speaking after casting his vote, Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction with the turnout in the council election which should produce new chairmen before the next general election in 2027.
“You have seen the turnout, you know this is my hometown. So, my general assessment of the process is good. It is expected that the 2027 election will also be well.
“This is a litmus test, and Insha Allah, in 2027, APC will win from the President down to each member of the state Assembly. Borno is the home of APC, more so, I am a son of this town,” Zulum stated.
Meanwhile Senator representing Borno Central senatorial zone, Kaka Shehu described the Borno State local council election as credible.
He described the election as transparently clean and rancour-free adding that: “I must commend the State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting a well-organized election, and the security agencies for enduring security, peace and order at all the polling units and across my senatorial district,”
Senator Lawan while assessing the conduct of the poll after casting his vote at his Lawan Asheik Alhaji Sadiq polling unit, Shehuri South Ward, Maiduguri metropolis told newsmen that he was impressed with the conduct of the election.
“I’m also impressed with the voter turnout, in spite of the hard times, which shows that the electorate are committed to genuine democratic governance in Borno State and Nigeria adding that “for me, the election is credible.”
Reps member, Abdulkadir Rahis, who voted at his Wakil Hassan polling unit, Gwange one ward, Maiduguri metropolis, told newsmen that he was impressed about the rancour-freeness of the election coupled with the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which prevailed across his constituency.
Both NASS members expressed confidence that the pending 2027 general elections would also credible and rancour-free.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Deputy National Chairman (DNC) North of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Ali Dalori expressed satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the elections.
He described the exercise as a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroot inclusivity.
The APC Chieftain commended the orderly conduct of voters across the state and praised their commitment to peaceful participation.
He told reporters soon after he casted his vote at the Dalori/Wanori Primary School, Kajeri polling unit in Konduga council area of the state that he was excited at the defiance of people across the state against existing security threats by insurgents.
Dalori said that, although his office in Abuja was preoccupied with a lot of schedule duties, but as a grassroot politician, he had to move to the state, to exercise his franchise at his polling unit by electing credible leaders who would continue to complement efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum in providing dividends of democracy to the local communities.
His words: ” Let me use this medium to express satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout witnessed during the Borno State local government elections. It is a clear sign of public trust in the democratic process, rule of law and grassroots inclusivity.
“In my polling unit, the massive participation reflects citizens’ growing confidence in democratic governance. I wish all contestants success.
” I commend Members of the State Electoral Body, security agencies and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment which led to the orderly conduct of voters across the state.
He however expressed optimism that his party, the APC will come out victorious in all elective positions such as the Chairmanship and Councillorship across the 27 local government areas, considering the numerous people- oriented projects executed by the present administration.
This reporter recalls that, the main opposition party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pulled out from the exercise claiming that their efforts were fruitless as the state is already a one party state.
