Fifteen political parties participated in the 2026 Bauchi State local government elections, according to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
The Bauchi chapter of IPAC made this known while responding to reports that some political parties had boycotted the election.
IPAC said political parties were independent and had the right to decide whether to participate in an election.
Speaking to journalists, IPAC chairman in Bauchi, Auwal Isa, said, “out of the 22 parties that registered for the election, 16 are participating; that means only six are boycotting. It is their right to do so.”
Isa, who is also the Bauchi State Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), praised the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) for following due process in organising the election.
He also commended voters for coming out to choose their preferred candidates, describing this as an important part of democracy.
The IPAC chairman further praised the political parties that took part in the election, saying their participation showed confidence in the democratic process.
The Secretary of IPAC, Khalid Hassan Arewa, also said the council was satisfied with the conduct of the election.
“As far as we are concerned, we are satisfied with the conduct of the elections. It was done following due process by BASIEC,” Arewa said.
He added, “The election timetable was released, and an announcement for form purchase was made. My party bought the forms and participated in the election.”
Arewa explained that under the relevant electoral laws, an election could proceed where at least three registered political parties were participating.
He said IPAC was satisfied with BASIEC’s handling of the election and expressed confidence that some of the participating parties would win seats in their strongholds across Bauchi State.