The government claimed that the break was required to provide those who had misplaced their identification cards, were not registered, or desired to alter their addresses time to rectify the situation before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadline for registration (INEC).

The work-free day was confirmed, in a statement released on Sunday in Abeokuta by the governor’s chief press secretary, Kunle Somorin.

Abiodun said, “The one-day public holiday is to provide a window for all workers in the state, who have either lost their cards, not registered or who might need to travel to their wards, local government areas and constituencies to perfect their Permanent Voters Registration or transfer their cards, where necessary, to enable them to participate in the next general elections.

“As an inclusive, participatory and accountable government, the role of PVCs to the citizens cannot be overemphasized.”

Governor Abiodun urged all eligible citizens to take advantage of the holiday to go to their different wards and constituencies to search for their Registered Voter Cards, fill out the claims and objections forms and transfer the PVCs where necessary.