A bill seeking to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the senate.
The bill, sponsored by Saliu Mustapha, the senator representing Kwara Central, proposes that presidential, governorship, national, and state assembly elections be held nationwide on the same day.
Additionally, it aims to ease financial and logistical burdens on political parties and candidates by shortening the campaign period.
The amendment also seeks to allow elected officials, including the president, vice-president, governors, and lawmakers, to serve as ad hoc delegates in their party congresses.
“The current staggered election process is expensive and inefficient. Conducting all elections on the same day will save costs, boost voter participation, and reduce political tension,” Mustapha said while leading the debate.
He noted that election costs have increased significantly, rising from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023.
“Looking at countries like the United States, India, and Brazil, where same-day elections are the norm, we can see the potential benefits for Nigeria. By adopting this approach, we can streamline our electoral process, making it more efficient and less costly,” he added.
Many senators expressed support for the bill, agreeing that a same-day election would enhance the credibility of the electoral process.
However, some lawmakers raised concerns over INEC’s ability to manage a nationwide election in a single day.
“While the bill has good intentions, we must ensure that INEC is adequately prepared for the enormous task of conducting elections for all levels of government in one day,” said Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North.
He also warned about the potential confusion multiple ballot papers could create, particularly among illiterate voters.
Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, who presided over the session, assured Oshiomhole that the bill would undergo further scrutiny at the committee level.
“We will engage with stakeholders to assess its feasibility and address any potential challenges,” Jibrin stated.
