Introduction
In a landmark legislative effort aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive of the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency (APC, Delta) has sponsored a bill seeking to mandate that general elections into all major public offices be conducted simultaneously on the same day. This proposal covers elections into the offices of the President, State Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Area (LGA) Councils.
If passed into law, this bill would significantly enhance electoral efficiency, reduce operational costs, and streamline governance cycles across the country.
Context and Rationale
Nigeria’s electoral calendar has long been characterized by staggered elections, often resulting in extended political tension, increased financial costs, and voter fatigue. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) typically conducts federal and state elections in phases, with local government elections administered separately by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). This fragmentation not only drains public resources but also contributes to inconsistent governance cycles and duplicated electoral logistics.
The proposed bill is currently under consideration by the National Assembly, which aims to correct these inefficiencies by consolidating the electoral timeline, ensuring all levels of government are elected on a single, harmonised election day. This bold proposition, if enacted, would represent one of the most comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s democratic framework since the advent of the Fourth Republic.
Key Features of the Bill
- Single Electoral Day:
All general elections, Presidential, Gubernatorial, National and State Assembly, and Local Government, would be conducted on the same day, nationwide. - Amendments to Key Legal Frameworks:
This bill proposes amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to align tenures and electoral schedules. - Enhanced Coordination Between INEC and SIECs:
A harmonized legal and operational framework would be developed to ensure both electoral bodies work in sync for seamless execution.
Anticipated Benefits
- Cost Reduction:
Eliminating multiple election cycles would significantly cut down the costs of logistics, personnel, and materials. - Higher Voter Turnout:
A unified election day may increase civic participation by making the process more accessible and less tiring for voters. - Reduced Electoral Conflict:
A single-day electoral event shortens the electioneering period, potentially lowering tensions and political violence. - Synchronized Governance:
Aligning the tenure of elected officials could lead to more consistent development plans and policy implementation.
Implementation Challenges
- Operational Complexity:
Managing one-day elections across all tiers of government will require massive logistical preparation and security coordination. - Resistance to Change:
Political actors who benefit from staggered elections may oppose the bill for strategic reasons. - Legal and Constitutional Hurdles:
Amending the Constitution to synchronize tenures is a complex process requiring broad consensus at the National and State levels.
Conclusion
Hon. Francis Waive’s proposal to unify Nigeria’s elections represents a bold and strategic attempt to modernize the nation’s democratic processes. By advocating for a single electoral day, the bill seeks to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the system.
As the National Assembly deliberates on this historic bill, stakeholders across the electoral ecosystem, from INEC and civil society to political parties and the media, must critically engage with its implications.
Sources:
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). (n.d.). Official website of the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.inecnigeria.org
National Assembly of Nigeria. (2011). Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended). Retrieved from https://www.nass.gov.ng/document/download/6380
The Nation. (2024, April 17). Reps pass Electoral Act amendment bill for second reading, seek conduct of general elections in one day. Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-reps-pass-electoral-act-amendment-bill-for-second-reading-seek-conduct-of-general-elections-in-one-day/
Voice of Nigeria. (2024, April 18). Bill for a uniform election date passes second reading in Nigeria’s House of Representatives. Retrieved from https://von.gov.ng/bill-for-a-uniform-election-date-passes-second-reading/
