The House of Representatives is considering a sweeping electoral reform that would see all major elections in Nigeria, presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly polls, conducted on the same day.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas revealed this on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from the European Union (EU).
He said the move is designed to improve efficiency, reduce expenses and encourage higher voter participation.
According to him, merging all elections into a single day would enhance credibility and reduce the challenges that usually accompany Nigeria’s prolonged election periods.
“Like the single-day election, it is to hold the election of the president, national assembly membership, governorship and state house of assembly membership elections on the same day. In our own thinking, it will help to reduce our electoral process, particularly on the turnout of voters,” Abbas said.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the reform will lower the cost of elections, cut down on political tension, ease logistical bottlenecks, and minimize security risks associated with staggered polls.
Abbas also disclosed that the proposed constitutional amendments under consideration go beyond election scheduling.
They include reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities, as well as provisions for financial autonomy and clearly defined roles for traditional rulers.
He urged the EU delegation to partner with the National Assembly in advocacy and public enlightenment, stressing that state assemblies must also give their backing for the reform to sail through.
“We will do all the needful as far as legislation is concerned to enable INEC to have all the necessary tools and provisions to make the 2027 election much better than the 2023 election,” the Speaker assured.
The National Assembly is currently reviewing the 1999 Constitution, and voting on the alteration bills is expected later this month.
Past attempts to introduce same-day elections have failed, but lawmakers say the current momentum could make 2025 different.
