By Isiyaka Ismail Wunti
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has urged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to take the Hajj period into account when scheduling elections and political activities.
The governor expressed concern that many Muslims who are active in politics may be unable to participate in this year’s pilgrimage if election activities overlap with the Hajj period.
Bala Mohammed who made the call during his farewell address to intending pilgrims at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Hajj Camp, emphasized the need to extend the dates for party primaries to avoid a clash with the Hajj exercise.
While commending the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, the National Hajj Commission, and Saudi authorities for their support in ensuring hitch-free Hajj arrangements, the governor advised the intending pilgrims to act as good ambassadors of the state, maintain a high level of discipline, and spend their Basic Travelling Allowance wisely.
The State Amirul Hajj for the 2026 Hajj exercise and Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Sulaiman, assured to work closely with Hajj officials and clerics to properly guide the pilgrims toward a successful pilgrimage.
Radio Nigeria reports that the first batch of the 2,090 intending pilgrims from Bauchi State is scheduled to depart from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport for King Muhammad Bin Abdullah International Airport in Madinah tomorrow.
