Governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed has assured the conduct of free, fair and credible local government elections in the state.
The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) fixed August 17 for the conduct of chairmen and councillorship elections across the 20 local government areas of the state.
However, the leading opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) accused Governor Mohammed of perfecting plans to rig the forthcoming elections.
The governor in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado and made available to reporters in Bauchi denied having plans to interfere with the outcome of the elections.
“The forthcoming local government elections, let it be known that any campaign by PDP candidates is for mere formality because, over time, leading APC stalwarts have serially praised, endorsed and recommended the policies, programmes and projects of the state government.
“Nothing in Bala Mohammed’s antecedents barely suggests any anti-democratic tendencies. On the contrary, the records are clear on his unambiguous commitment to constitutionalism, diversity and inclusion.
“Neither does Bala Mohammed endorse a one-party state nor does he loathe a virile or responsible opposition capable of providing constructive alternatives to public policy, united and strong enough to take over government should the electorate so decide,” the statement reads in part.