The Bauchi State Government has declared Monday, August 17, 2026, a work-free day across the state to enable workers to participate in the forthcoming Local Government Council elections.
The declaration was announced on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, following the decision of the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the local government elections on Monday.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the work-free day covers civil servants and other public servants serving at the local, state and federal levels in Bauchi State. Workers in the banking sector are also included in the declaration.
According to the state government, the decision was taken to ensure that eligible residents are not prevented from exercising their constitutional right to vote because of official responsibilities.
Gidado said the declaration was specifically designed to give workers and other eligible voters enough opportunity to participate in the electoral process at the grassroots level.
“The declaration is intended to provide eligible citizens the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote and contribute to the democratic process at the grassroots level without disruption arising from official duties,” he said.
However, the government clarified that workers engaged in essential services would not be affected by the holiday and are expected to remain at their duty posts.
“However, workers engaged in essential services are exempted,” Gidado added.
The declaration comes as political parties, candidates and voters across Bauchi State prepare for the local government elections scheduled for Monday.
The government urged residents who are eligible to vote to come out peacefully and exercise their franchise in accordance with the law.
Gidado also appealed to voters to conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after the election, stressing the need for residents to cooperate with security agencies and electoral officials.
“The State Government assures citizens that all relevant authorities will work to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral environment and urges everyone to cooperate with security agencies and electoral officials in the discharge of their responsibilities,” he stated.
The state government also wished residents a peaceful and successful Local Government Council election.
The Bauchi declaration follows a similar decision by the Osun State Government, which declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for public service workers ahead of the Saturday governorship election.
In Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke said the holiday was intended to allow workers to travel where necessary and prepare to participate in the election.
