The Bauchi State Government has approved Monday, 17 August 2026, as a work-free day to allow residents to participate in the state’s forthcoming Local Government Council elections.
The holiday will apply to local, state and federal government employees working in Bauchi, as well as workers in the banking sector.
The Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, announced the decision in a statement on Friday.
According to Gidado, the declaration followed the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission’s decision to hold the local government elections on Monday.
The state government said the measure was designed to prevent official duties from stopping eligible voters from participating in the elections.
Gidado said the holiday would give residents the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote and take part in decision-making at the grassroots level.
However, personnel providing essential services will not be covered by the work-free-day arrangement.
The government also appealed to residents to maintain peace and comply with electoral laws throughout the voting process.
Gidado encouraged eligible voters to turn out and cast their ballots responsibly, while urging political actors and residents to avoid actions capable of disrupting the elections.
He said government authorities, security agencies and electoral officials would work together to maintain a safe and orderly environment across the state.
Residents were also advised to cooperate with security personnel and election officials before, during and after voting.
The state government expressed confidence that the local government elections would be conducted peacefully and urged citizens to make effective use of the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
