A bill allowing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a unified election has passed second reading at the senate.
Gatekeepers News reports that the bill proposes that presidential, governorship, national, and state assembly elections be held nationwide on the same day.
The bill also seeks to ease financial and logistical pressures on political parties and candidates by shortening the campaign period.
Additionally, it proposes allowing elected officials, including the president, vice-president, governors, and lawmakers, to serve as ad hoc delegates in their party congresses.
Saliu Mustapha, senator representing Kwara central who sponsored the bill, decried the rising cost of elections, noting that expenses had moved from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023.
He said, “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.”
“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.”
Though many senators expressed support, some lawmakers raised concerns about INEC’s capacity to manage nationwide elections in a single day.
Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, said, “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.”
“We must also consider the confusion that multiple ballot papers could create, especially among illiterate voters.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin assured that the bill would undergo further scrutiny at the committee level, with consultations with stakeholders to address any potential challenges.
