The Nigerian Senate has moved forward with a bill that, if passed, would empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections on the same day. The proposal, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, has scaled second reading in the Senate.
The bill, known as the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha. It aims to:
- Reduce election costs, which have skyrocketed from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023.
- Shorten campaign periods to limit excessive spending and political tension.
- Allow elected officeholders to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses.
Senator Mustapha, while leading the debate, emphasized that staggered elections are costly, inefficient, and contribute to voter fatigue.
“The current staggered election process is a major financial burden. Holding all elections on the same day will save costs, improve voter turnout, and reduce political tension,” he argued.
Support and Opposition in the Senate
The proposal has received strong support from several lawmakers, who believe that synchronizing elections will enhance transparency and eliminate the undue influence of staggered voting results.
However, some senators raised concerns about INEC’s capacity to manage a nationwide election in a single day.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned against rushing into the reform without a clear implementation strategy.
“The bill has good intentions, but we must ask: Is INEC equipped to conduct all elections in one day? We must also consider the confusion that multiple ballot papers could create, especially for illiterate voters,” Oshiomhole warned.
The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the coming weeks as the Senate assesses its feasibility. If passed, it could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s electoral process, making elections more efficient and cost-effective while also presenting logistical challenges for INEC.
As the debate continues, stakeholders will weigh the potential benefits of cost savings and improved voter turnout against the risks of operational difficulties and voter confusion.
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