Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has declared Monday, August 17, 2026, a work-free day across the state to enable residents to participate in the forthcoming local government elections.
The declaration covers civil and public servants at both state and local government levels, as well as federal government employees working in Bauchi State. Workers in the banking sector are also included.
The state government said the decision followed the announcement by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) that the local government council elections would hold on Monday.
According to the government, the measure is intended to give eligible voters sufficient time to leave their workplaces and exercise their civic responsibility without their official duties hindering their participation.
However, workers providing essential services are exempted from the work-free-day arrangement.
The government urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the elections and exercise their constitutional right to choose leaders at the grassroots.
It also appealed to voters, candidates and other political actors to maintain peace, abide by electoral regulations and cooperate with electoral officials and security personnel before, during and after the elections.
Governor Mohammed assured residents that relevant authorities would take necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the poll.
He wished the people of Bauchi State a peaceful and successful local government election.
