The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) has announced Monday, August 17, 2026, as the date for local government elections across the 20 local government areas of the state.
The announcement was contained in a statement on Friday by the Commission’s Information Officer, Ishiyaku Adamu.
Adamu explained that this was in accordance with the relevant laws mandating BASIEC to give 60 days notice for the conduct of the local government council elections.
He, however, added that Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandated that a notice of election must be published not later than 360 days before the appointed election date.
The BASIEC Information Officer stated that the notice was in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 in line with the recent Supreme Court judgment, which reaffirmed that State Electoral Commissions must adhere to the same fundamental electoral standards as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Furthermore, the Section 28 of the Electoral Act expressly refers to the elections conducted by INEC, however, the Supreme Court in its recent decision concerning Rivers State Local Government Election in the judgment delivered on 20th February, 2025, it was held that the provision presented a fundamental electoral standard which State Independent Electoral Commissions, including BASIEC, are bound to observe in the absence of any overriding constitutional provision to the contrary,” the statement said.
Adamu further disclosed that Governor Bala Mohammed approved issuance of the notice to ensure full compliance with the law.
“As you are all aware His Excellency the Executive Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is deeply committed to upholding the rule of law. He has therefore approved and directed the Commission to serve the public with notice of the 2026 Local Government Election, scheduled for 17th August, 2026, with a view to comply with Electoral Act 2022,” he stated.
According to the Commission, the notice takes effect from August 17, 2025 to August 17, 2026.
“All political parties, stakeholders, and the general public are hereby advised to take note and prepare accordingly,” Adamu said.
