SENATE PASSES FOR SECOND READING A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND THE ELECTORAL ACT 2022, TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONDUCT OF ALL ELECTIONS IN ONE DAY 27-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022, to provide for the conduct of all elections in one day.
The current Act provides for the conduct of Presidential and National Assembly elections in February, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections hold in March.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central), is also seeking a short campaign period to reduce cost of elections and provide legal framework for elected office holders to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses.
Leading the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB.701),
Senator Mustapha expressed regret that the rising financial burden of elections on the government, explaining that the cost of general elections had surged from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023.
senator Mustapha described the act as unsustainable and a major drain on national resources.
“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
He said Nigeria must take a cue from countries like the United States, India, and Brazil, which he said have successfully implemented same-day elections, leading to a “more streamlined and cost-effective electoral process.”
Senator Salihu Mustapha noted that prolonged campaigns disrupt governance and fuel unnecessary political tension.
He mentioned another key amendment in the bill for the inclusion of elected office holders—including the President, Vice President, Governors, National and State Assembly members, and Local Government Chairmen—as ad hoc delegates in their respective party congresses.
The current exclusion of these officials, according to Mustapha was an “oversight” that needed to be corrected.
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomole, warned that “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.”