JUST IN: Bauchi Electoral Commission Chairman Dies After a Brief illness

By Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi

The Chairman,Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), Alhaji Ahmed Makama Hardawa, has died.

In a condolence message, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep sorrow over loss, describing Hardawa’s demise as a profound tragedy for the state and nation.

Hardawa, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in both Taraba and Nasarawa States, died on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Abuja, after a brief illness.

Governor Mohammed, in a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado on Wednesday, expressed his heartfelt condolences on behalf of his family, government and people of the state.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the good people of Bauchi State, I extend heartfelt condolences over the death of Alhaji Ahmed Makama Hardawa.”

He described the late Alhaji Hardawa as a distinguished statesman, an accomplished public servant, and a patriotic Nigerian whose meritorious service to Bauchi State and the nation at large left a lasting legacy.

“He was a former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Taraba and Nasarawa States, where he discharged his responsibilities with unwavering integrity, diligence, and fairness, hallmarks that defined his entire career,” Gidado stated.

The governor added that, “In his role as Chairman of BASIEC, Alhaji Hardawa played a critical role in deepening democratic governance at the grassroots through the promotion of transparent and credible electoral processes.

“His commitment to rule of law, and institutional development earned him the respect of colleagues, political actors, and the general public.”

Governor Bala further described Hardawa as a man of wisdom, humility, and exemplary leadership, noting that his experience and service-oriented mindset would be greatly missed at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s democratic development.

The governor extended condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, the BASIEC team, friends, associates, and the people of Hardawa and Misau Emirate Councils.

He prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort his loved ones in this moment of grief.

His last assignment as BASIEC Chairman was on May 24, 2025, when he supervised the conduct of a by-election for the offices of Chairman and Deputy Chairman in Shira local government area of Bauchi State.