No ballot box snatching, no thuggery, no funny business. That is the clear message from Bauchi police as the state counts down to its big local elections.

Well, Bauchi is gearing up! With just days to go until the local government elections on Monday, 17th August 2026, the Bauchi State Police Command says it has rolled out a full security blanket across the state.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the Command's spokesman, SP Nafiu Habib, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the strategic deployment of personnel to all 20 Local Government Areas. The brief is simple: protect lives, protect property, and protect electoral materials before, during and after the polls.

And the CP is not mincing words.

The warning shot for troublemakers

The Command has warned politicians, their supporters, and frankly anyone thinking of causing trouble, to steer clear of electoral violence, ballot box snatching, thuggery, vote-buying and selling, voter intimidation, or any attempt to derail the process.

The police say anyone caught, including sponsors and accomplices, no matter how highly placed or which party they belong to, will be arrested and prosecuted. Officers deployed for the exercise have also been charged to remain neutral, professional and strictly within the law, and to respect citizens' rights.

Residents are being urged to come out peacefully to vote and to report anything suspicious to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines.

Some quick background for you

This election has been a long time coming. The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission, BASIEC, actually fixed the date almost a year ago, on 17th August 2025. Why so early? It is to comply with the Electoral Act 2022, which says election notices must be published at least 360 days in advance.

Bauchi has 20 LGAs, from Bauchi and Katagum to Zaki and Alkaleri, with over 4.3 million people relying on local councils for everything from primary healthcare to local roads.

Historically, local polls in the state have been a one-party affair. In the last two exercises, in October 2020 and again on August 17th, 2024, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swept all 20 chairmanship seats, a result the opposition APC has consistently contested. That is why security and neutrality this time are such a big deal, if the 2026 polls are to be seen as truly credible and hitch-free.

So, if you are in Bauchi, it is all systems go. Get your PVC ready, vote peacefully, and let the security agencies do their job.

Source: cbinews.tv

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