Senate Passes Bill To Conduct General Elections In One Day
A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, is designed to reduce the high costs associated with elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses.
Senator Saliu Mustapha, who led the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, pointed out the unsustainable rise in election costs, which have grown from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023.
He stressed that the current staggered election system is financially burdensome and inefficient, contributing to voter fatigue and low turnout. According to Mustapha, holding all elections on the same day would save costs, increase voter participation, and reduce political tension.
While the proposal received support from several senators, some expressed reservations about INEC’s capacity to manage nationwide elections in a single day.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned that the reform should not be rushed, urging lawmakers to consider INEC’s preparedness for such an undertaking. He also raised concerns about the potential confusion caused by multiple ballots, particularly for illiterate voters.
The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the coming weeks, as the Senate evaluates its implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.
