BASIEC Fixes August 17, 2026 for Bauchi LG Polls

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) has fixed Monday, August 17, 2026 for the conduct of local government elections across the 20 local government areas of the state.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Commission’s Information Officer, Ishiyaku Adamu, who explained that the notice was in line with both state and national electoral laws.

Adamu noted that while BASIEC regulations require a 60-day notice before council elections, the Electoral Act 2022 also stipulates that such notices must be published not later than 360 days to the election date.

He stressed that the Commission’s decision followed the recent Supreme Court ruling of February 20, 2025, on Rivers State local government polls, which clarified that state electoral bodies must comply with the same fundamental standards guiding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The Supreme Court has affirmed that Section 28 of the Electoral Act 2022 sets a basic electoral benchmark which state commissions, including BASIEC, must follow unless the Constitution provides otherwise,” the statement read.

According to him, Governor Bala Mohammed approved the issuance of the election notice to ensure total compliance with the law.

“As you are aware, His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is firmly committed to upholding the rule of law. He has therefore directed the Commission to notify the public of the 2026 Local Government Election, scheduled for August 17, 2026,” Adamu added.

The Commission said the notice takes effect from August 17, 2025, exactly one year ahead of the election.

BASIEC therefore advised political parties, stakeholders, and the general public to take note of the date and prepare accordingly