A Bill which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to provide for same-day elections nationwide as a cost-saving measure and to reduce voter apathy, scaled second reading in the Senate yesterday.

It was sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC – Kwara Central).

The bill seeks to shorten the campaign period to ease financial burdens on political parties, candidates, and the government and allow elected political office holders (such as the President, Vice President, Governors, and legislators) to serve as ad hoc delegates during party congresses.

Senator Mustapha lamented the soaring financial burden of elections on the government, noting that the cost of general elections had skyrocketed from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023.

“The current staggered election process is expensive and inefficient. Conducting all elections on the same day will save cost, boost voter participation, and reduce political tension,” he said.

Mustapha urged Nigeria to take a cue from countries like the United States, India, and Brazil, where same-day elections have led to more streamlined and cost-effective electoral processes.

He also explained that prolonged campaigns disrupt governance and fuel unnecessary political tension, making a shorter campaign period more desirable.

Some Senators supported the Bill, saying that consolidating elections into a single day would reduce voter fatigue, enhance credibility in the electoral process and minimise disruptions to governance caused by staggered elections.

Others raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s capacity to conduct all elections in a single day.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole in his submission 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.”

He also cautioned that multiple ballot papers on a single day could cause confusion, especially among illiterate voters.