The Bauchi State Government has declared Monday, August 17, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers across the state to participate in the forthcoming Local Government Councils elections.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, on Friday.
According to the statement, the work-free day covers civil and public servants at the local, state and federal levels working in Bauchi State, as well as employees in the banking sector.
The government said the decision followed the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission’s (BASIEC) fixing of August 17 for the conduct of elections into the Local Government Councils across the state.
It said the measure was intended to give eligible citizens the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote without being constrained by official duties.
However, workers engaged in essential services are exempted from the declaration.
The government urged eligible voters to come out peacefully and exercise their franchise in accordance with the law.
It also called on citizens to conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after the elections, assuring that relevant authorities would work to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The government further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and electoral officials during the elections.