If the bill passes legislative hurdles, it means that all elections, including elections for the President, Governor, National Assembly, State Assembly and Local Government, will take place on the same day.
The bill, which is seeking to require the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to hold all elections in Nigeria, passed the second reading in the Senate, from the presidential election on the 1st to local government elections.
Senate Speaker Bala Ziblin, who presided over the session, announced the passage between the whole government on Thursday after the majority of the senators supported it through audio voting.
The bill, sponsored by Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), aims to shorten election periods, amend the election law to streamline the election process, reduce costs, provide elections, declare outcomes, and provide sworn-ups for elected candidates.
If the bill passes legislative hurdles, it means that all elections, including elections for the President, Governor, National Assembly, State Assembly and Local Government, will take place on the same day.
Nigeria currently holds elections on various days. Presidential and parliamentary elections take place on the same day, but the governor and state homes in parliamentary elections usually take place on another day, two weeks apart.
Other Purposes of the Bill
The bill proposed amending the election law to amend the election law to accommodate presidents, vice presidents, parliamentarians, governors and their agents, lawmakers in parliament, chairmen of local government councils, members of the National Labor Committee, members of political parties’ parliament, members of political parties’ parliament, meetings and meetings.
It also aims to establish a clear and predictable schedule of elections, declaration of outcomes, and oaths of elected officials.
Justification of the same-day election
While leading the debate on the bill, Mustafa said it is Nigeria to hold elections on various days currently in practice, and has significantly increased the country’s election costs.
“It is worth noting that despite improvements, the Election Act of 2022 does not significantly reduce the financial burden of elections for the Federal Government of Nigeria. The amendment is intended to create a more efficient and cost-effective election process that will enhance greater participation of citizens,” he argued.
The lawmakers insisted on the direction
All elections on the same day may encourage voters to participate by reducing election fatigue and making it more convenient for citizens to cast their votes.
He argued that stubborn elections often lead to voter indifference, as people may be reluctant to appear again and again.
Mustafa also emphasized that keeping elections simultaneously can simplify logistics, reduce security challenges and minimize disruptions in economic activity.
“Thought-day elections will also increase voter turnout and promote citizen engagement in the election process. They will promote a more efficient election process that will reduce the costs of elections, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote a comprehensive, participatory democracy that reduces logistical challenges,” he said.
“By adopting this strategy, Nigeria can align with the finest global practices and promote a more efficient and cost-effective election process. The ultimate goal is to address the inefficiencies of staggered elections that are not only costly but ineffective.
“Elections on the same day will help Nigeria reduce the substantial costs that the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) has held elections over multiple days. This aggressive step will help save government funds that can be allocated to other critical infrastructure development projects,” the senator said.
Mustafa mentioned countries such as the US, India and Brazil, urging Nigeria to take elections in one day and adopt practices to increase the reliability and efficiency of the election process.
“The president, his prominent colleagues, and large democracies, such as the US, India and Brazil, have successfully conducted elections on the same day, cutting costs and showing their effectiveness in strengthening the election process.
“Employing this approach in Nigeria will significantly minimize the financial burden on the government, minimise the economic losses associated with election fragments and long-term campaign periods, thereby reducing the political tensions and uncertainties associated with incredible elections,” he said.
Opposition and concern
The bill received overwhelming support from senators, with only Adams Oshiomhole, a Northern Edo Senator.
Oshiomhole, a former governor and former national president of the Controlling All-Progressive Congress (APC), has expressed concern about the practicality of voters, particularly in rural areas, in order to manage multiple ballots in a day.
“It’s important that we are thorough with the law and by enacting the law, it is intended for today, even in an unexpected future. I think we should discuss each recommendation. The problem is the idea of all elections on the same day.
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“I don’t think of the majority, especially in rural areas, if voters were given five to six ballots to vote on one day, and you gave the country’s regional topography that wouldn’t be confused here and there,” he pointed out.
However, Mr. Jiblin was convinced that concerns will be addressed during the hearing stage where stakeholders, including INEC and civil society organisations, have an opportunity to contribute.
“Remind me that this is my second reading. It will still go to the committee, where it will be scrutinized, analyzed, then to the hearing,” the Senate Vice President said.
Previous election fees
The financial burden of holding elections in Nigeria has raised concerns.
In January, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu proposed a total budget of N126 billion for fiscal year 2025 during a budget defense session held by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Election Issues.
A total of N40 billion was approved for INEC in the 2024 budget. The exact amount was proposed in the 2025 budget before the National Assembly, but the INEC Chairman said it is not sufficient to hold an election in 2025.
The N126 billion demand by the committee chair represents an increase of 200% from N40 billion.
