Bauchi declares Monday work-free for LG elections

Bauchi State Government has announced Monday, August 17, 2026, as a work-free day to facilitate the participation of civil servants, public sector employees, and banking sector workers in the local government elections. This decision was communicated by the Governor's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, in a statement released on Friday.

Governor Bala Mohammed has approved the public holiday, following the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission's (BASIEC) decision to hold elections for the 20 local government councils across the state on the same day. The government's intention behind the work-free day is to allow eligible voters to fulfill their constitutional duty to vote without being obstructed by their work obligations.

The directive applies to employees at all levels within Bauchi State, as well as bank employees and personnel from other public institutions operating within the region. However, workers who provide essential services have been exempted from the holiday. The state government has urged residents to engage in the election peacefully, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior before, during, and after the voting process.

The authorities have assured citizens of their commitment to maintaining a peaceful and orderly electoral process, urging the public to cooperate with security agencies and electoral officials throughout the election period.