The House of Representatives has proposed a bill to conduct all elections—presidential, gubernatorial, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Areas—on the same day. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, and 34 other lawmakers, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to streamline the electoral process and reduce costs.
The proposed legislation, which has passed its second reading, aims to address the logistical and financial challenges associated with staggered elections. Under the bill, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would determine the election date in consultation with the National Assembly.
Proponents of the bill argue that simultaneous elections would save resources, reduce voter fatigue, and enhance political stability.
The bill also seeks to address the issue of low voter turnout in off-cycle elections, particularly in local government elections, by consolidating all electoral activities into a single day.
However, the proposal has raised concerns about INEC’s capacity to manage such a complex process. Critics argue that simultaneous elections could overwhelm the electoral body and lead to logistical challenges, including the distribution of materials, security arrangements, and the handling of results.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative consideration. If passed, it will require a constitutional amendment, which must be approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly and ratified by at least 24 state assemblies.
Stakeholders, including civil society organizations and political parties, are expected to weigh in on the proposal as it moves through the legislative process.