Governor Babagana Zulum cast his vote at 12:22 p.m. on Saturday during the Borno council polls at polling unit 006, Ajari, Mafa ward, in Mafa Local Government Area (LGA).

Mr Zulum, who was accompanied to the unit in his hometown, about 40 kilometres away from Maiduguri, under tight security, commended the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) for ensuring a peaceful process across the state.

The governor, who spoke to journalists shortly after casting his vote, also expressed happiness with the voter turnout.

“You have seen the turnout, you know this is my hometown. So, in the assessment process, I assess that it is good.

“It is expected that the 2027 election will also be well. This is a litmus test, and Inshaa Allah (God willing), in 2027, All Progressives Congress (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,” he said.

Similarly, Ali Bukar Dalori, the deputy national chairman (North) of APC, also expressed satisfaction with the impressive voter turnout.

Mr Dalori said that the turnout was a clear indication of public trust in the democratic process, the rule of law and grassroots inclusivity.

He, however, commended the orderly conduct of voters across the state and praised their commitment to peaceful participation.

Mr Dalori also spoke shortly after casting his vote at the Dalori/Wanori Primary School, Kajeri polling unit in Konduga LGA.

“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 wished 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.

“As you are aware, my office in Abuja is preoccupied with a lot of scheduled duties, but as a grassroots politician, I had to move to the state, exercise my franchise in electing credible leaders who would continue to complement the efforts of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Zulum in providing dividends of democracy to the local communities,” he said.

Also speaking, Kaka Shehu, the senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District, described the election as credible.

“I must commend the State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting a well-organised election, and the security agencies for ensuring security, peace and order at all the polling units and across my senatorial district.

“I am also impressed with the voter turnout, despite the hard times, which shows that the electorate is committed to genuine democratic governance in Borno State and Nigeria. For me, the election is credible,” he added.

Rep. Abdulkadir Rahis, member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, at the House of Reps, also described the election as transparent and rancour-free.

Mr Rahis, who voted at his Wakil Hassan polling unit, Gwange 1, Maiduguri metropolis, said, “Apart from its credibility, what impressed me most about the election is its rancour-freeness and the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which prevailed across my constituency.”

However, the election was contested by six political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). 

(NAN)