Reps propose single-day elections for political offices

The House of Representatives is considering a proposal to hold the presidential, governorship, and legislative elections on the same day as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral system.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas disclosed this during a meeting with a delegation from the European Union in Abuja, noting that the move is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing voter turnout in future elections.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, when he received a delegation from the European Union, Abbas said holding all elections on the same day would enhance credibility and tackle lower voter turnout.

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As part of this reform process, the House of Representatives is proposing that presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections be conducted on the same day, rather than staggered across multiple weeks as is currently done.

Supporters of the proposal argue it will help cut election costs, reduce political tension, improve voter turnout, and minimise logistical and security challenges often associated with Nigeria’s lengthy election periods.

Abbas said the house is committed to far-reaching electoral reforms, noting that the proposed constitutional amendments cover reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities, financial autonomy and defined roles for traditional rulers, and the conduct of all national elections on a single day, among others.

“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,” he said.

“In our own thinking, it will help to reduce our electoral process, particularly on the turnout of voters.”

Abbas urged the EU delegation to support the national assembly with advocacy and publicity, highlighting that state assemblies must also endorse the proposed reforms.

“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,” he said.

The national assembly is currently amending the 1999 constitution and is expected to vote on the alteration bills this month.

Attempts in previous assemblies to pass the bill for same-day elections hit a brick wall.