A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct general elections on the same day has successfully passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 in a bid to reduce the spiralling costs of elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officeholders to participate as ad hoc delegates in party congresses.
Leading the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Senator Saliu Mustapha emphasised the unsustainable financial burden of elections, noting that the cost has surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to a staggering ₦350 billion in 2023.
“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,” Mustapha argued, highlighting the inefficiency and expense associated with staggered elections.
He further pointed out that staggered polls also contribute to voter fatigue, disillusionment, and increased logistical challenges.
The proposal has received widespread support from several senators, who agreed on the need for electoral reforms to reduce financial pressures. However, some lawmakers raised concerns about INEC’s ability to manage nationwide elections on a single day.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole voiced caution, suggesting that while the bill was well-intentioned, the readiness of INEC should be carefully evaluated before moving forward.
He questioned whether the electoral body had the necessary resources and infrastructure to conduct all elections in a single day, particularly in light of the logistical challenges posed by multiple ballot papers.
“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 Senate is expected to conduct further scrutiny of the bill in the coming weeks, as lawmakers continue to deliberate on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act.
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