Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has declared Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, 2025, as public holidays ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
Gatekeepers Newsreports that the governor announced this on Wednesday in Minna, saying the holidays will allow residents to prepare and participate actively in the polls. Essential service providers such as hospitals, banks, and security agencies are exempted.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago said:
“We have declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays, but those who are handling essential services like hospitals, banks, and security are exempted from the public holiday.”
He urged residents to come out en masse and vote peacefully for candidates of their choice, stressing that their participation is vital for the progress and development of the state.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has urged residents to fully participate in the elections.
In a statement issued in Minna, Bishop Yohanna warned that voter apathy could undermine the democratic process, calling on eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The 2025 local government elections are just around the corner. I appeal to those who have not yet collected their PVCs to do so quickly to avoid unnecessary last-minute rushes that could lead to regrets,” he said.
He further described voting as a civic right and duty, encouraging Christians and other residents to take part in the November 1 chairmanship and councillorship elections.
“It is crucial that we, as a community, determine who leads us at the local and grassroots levels,” he added.
Bishop Yohanna also urged political parties to field credible candidates committed to public service and called on community and religious leaders to motivate their followers to vote, dismissing claims that “votes do not count.”
“To prevent voter apathy, let us come out and elect the individuals we trust will serve our communities well,” he said.
