Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has declared Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, 2025, as public holidays ahead of the Saturday local council elections in the state.

The governor announced this on Wednesday in Minna, exempting essential service providers.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor 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.”

The governor, however, encouraged the electorate to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and harmonious manner for the progress and development of Niger State.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State, and the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, have advised residents to participate in the local council elections.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Minna, Bishop Yohanna emphasised the importance of voter turnout and observed that voter apathy could undermine the democratic process.

He urged all registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, as the elections approach.

“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 noted.

The bishop also called on Christian faithful to actively engage in the electoral process, saying that voting is a civic right and responsibility.

“I urge all residents to participate in the November 1st chairmanship and councillorship elections. It is crucial that we, as a community, determine who leads us at the local and grassroots levels,” he said.

Dr Dauwa urged Christians to be fully involved in politics, either by joining political parties or by making informed voting choices. “To prevent voter apathy, let us come out and elect the individuals we trust will serve our communities well,” he added.

Bishop Yohanna, however, appealed to political parties to nominate candidates who are committed to providing essential services and addressing the needs of the populace.

The bishop further advised leaders at both state and local government levels, as well as Church heads, to encourage their congregations to participate in the electoral process and to dismiss discouraging remarks suggesting that “votes do not count.”