The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to mandate the conduct of all elections on a single day. Sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central), the bill successfully passed its second reading on Thursday.

Presently, Nigeria’s electoral framework schedules Presidential and National Assembly elections in February, followed by Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in March. The proposed amendment seeks to consolidate these elections into a single day, a move proponents argue will streamline the process, reduce costs, and enhance voter participation.

Leading the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 (SB.701), Senator Mustapha highlighted the escalating financial burden of conducting elections in Nigeria. He noted that election expenses have surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023, describing the current staggered election process as “unsustainable” and a “major drain on national resources.”

“Conducting all elections on the same day will save costs, boost voter participation, and reduce political tension,” Senator Mustapha asserted. He urged Nigeria to adopt models from countries like the United States, India, and Brazil, where same-day elections have led to more streamlined and cost-effective electoral processes.

Beyond the consolidation of election dates, the bill proposes several other amendments:

– Shortening Campaign Periods: To reduce the financial burden on political parties, candidates, and the government, the bill seeks to shorten the duration of election campaigns.

– Inclusion of Elected Officials as Ad Hoc Delegates: The amendment aims to allow elected officeholders—including the President, Vice President, Governors, National and State Assembly members, and Local Government Chairmen—to serve as ad hoc delegates in their respective party congresses. Senator Mustapha described their current exclusion as an “oversight” that needs correction.

The bill has garnered support from many senators who agree that consolidating elections could curb electoral malpractice, reduce voter fatigue, and enhance the credibility of the electoral process. However, some lawmakers have raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) capacity to conduct all elections simultaneously.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned against rushing the amendment, stating, “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.”

Following its second reading, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action. As Nigeria continues to seek improvements in its electoral system, the proposed amendments aim to create a more efficient, cost-effective, and participatory democratic process.