A proposed legislation that would authorize the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct general elections on a single day has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate.
This bill seeks to amend the Electoral Act of 2022 with the objectives of reducing escalating election expenses, shortening the duration of campaign periods, and permitting elected officials to act as ad hoc delegates during party congresses.
During the discussion on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Senator Saliu Mustapha emphasized the unsustainable nature of election costs, which have surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023.
He pointed out that staggered elections are not only costly but also inefficient and lead to voter fatigue. “The current staggered election system imposes a significant financial strain. Conducting all elections on the same day would lower expenses, enhance voter participation, and alleviate political tensions,” he remarked.
While the proposal garnered substantial support from numerous senators, some lawmakers raised concerns regarding INEC’s ability to manage nationwide elections in a single day.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole warned against hastily implementing the reform without confirming INEC’s preparedness. He remarked, “The bill is well-intentioned, but we must consider: Is INEC capable of executing all elections in one day? We should also take into account the potential confusion that multiple ballot papers might cause, particularly for voters with limited literacy.”
The Senate is anticipated to conduct further examination of the bill in the upcoming weeks.
