The Arewa Youths Development Initiative (AYDI) has praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the just-concluded local government council elections in Borno State, describing the exercise as a clear sign that democracy is gradually finding its feet in the state despite lingering security challenges.
In a statement issued at the weekend and signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammed, the youth group said the elections were conducted in a calm and transparent atmosphere, earning the confidence of voters, political actors and election observers alike.
According to AYDI, the polls witnessed active participation by political parties, civil society organisations, election observers and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), an indication that stakeholders were willing to trust the process.
“Our observations showed a growing belief in democratic institutions across Borno State,” the group said.
AYDI disclosed that reports from its independent field monitors confirmed that voting, counting, collation and the announcement of results were carried out peacefully across the 27 local government areas. The organisation noted that even areas that have historically posed security and electoral challenges—such as Gwoza, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Askira/Uba and Biu—recorded smooth and orderly processes.
“Our monitors observed professionalism, discipline and a commendable level of orderliness throughout the exercise,” the statement added.
The group acknowledged the official results announced by the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC), which declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of all chairmanship and councillorship seats. AYDI recalled that the BOSIEC Chairman, Dr. Tahiru Shettima, had described the elections as peaceful, credible and largely hitch-free, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
AYDI also highlighted the special voting arrangements made for parts of northern and central Borno, including Abadam, Guzamala, Kala-Balge and Marte, where insecurity has displaced many residents. It commended the decision to allow affected voters to cast their ballots in secure locations within Maiduguri, ensuring that no citizen was denied the right to participate in the democratic process.
The use of Maiduguri as an administrative and operational hub for coordinating elections in high-risk areas, the group said, was a practical and inclusive strategy that balanced security concerns with democratic rights.
Equally significant, AYDI noted, was the calm acceptance of the results by opposition parties and the absence of post-election violence or tension across the state.
“This level of political maturity shows that democracy is steadily taking root in Borno State,” the statement said.
The youth organisation attributed the overall success of the elections to the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, noting that his administration created an enabling environment by providing necessary resources and ensuring effective coordination between electoral bodies and security agencies.
“Governor Zulum’s commitment to peace, stability and inclusive governance was evident throughout the process,” AYDI stated.
The group urged the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors to оправдать the confidence reposed in them by focusing on good governance and delivering real dividends of democracy, particularly to communities still grappling with insecurity and displacement.
AYDI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, youth engagement and democratic development in Borno State, stressing that sustained stability at the grassroots remains key to the state’s long-term recovery and progress.
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