March 28, (THEWILL) – A bill seeking amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections (presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly) on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha, aims to cut election costs, reduce campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses.
First introduced on February 12, 2025, Mustapha said Nigeria’s election expenses have risen sharply since 1999, climbing from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023. He argued that conducting all elections on the same day would significantly cut costs, reduce campaign expenses, and ease the logistical burden on INEC.
The inefficiencies of staggered elections have proven to be costly and ineffective. By aligning with global best practices, such as in the United States, India, and Brazil. Nigeria can minimise financial losses, reduce political tensions, and improve electoral efficiency”, Mustapha said.
While the bill received support from several lawmakers, concerns were raised about INEC’s capacity to handle such an extensive exercise in a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged caution, questioning whether INEC had the resources to manage nationwide elections simultaneously.
“The bill has good intentions, but we must ask: Is INEC equipped to conduct all elections in one day? We must also consider the confusion that multiple ballot papers could create, especially for illiterate voters”, he noted.
Following its passage, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed for second reading a bill seeking to impose a 60-year age limit on presidential and gubernatorial candidates in the country.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to review the requirements that qualify a person to be elected as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governor of a State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for Related Matters”, the bill was sponsored and read at plenary session on Thursday by Imo lawmaker, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
The bill seeks to amend the Constitution to set clear age restrictions for those vying for the highest political offices in the country. In its provisions, the bill stipulates that for a candidate to be eligible to run for president or governor, they must not be older than 60 years at the time of the election.
It provides that “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to at least university level and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in his chosen field of study.
“Section 131 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a paragraph which reads, “That he is not more than 60 years at the time of vying for the Office of President.
“Section 177(d) of the principal Act is amended by altering the educational requirement that qualifies persons to be elected as governor as follows:
“A person shall be qualified for election to the Office of the President if he has been educated up to at least university level and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in his chosen field of study.
“That he is not more than 60 years old at the time of vying for the office of Governor.”
It further outlines a requirement for a university degree as a baseline educational qualification for candidates seeking the presidency or governorship.
“This bill aims to ensure that the leadership of this country is in the hands of younger, more dynamic individuals who can lead with energy and vision”, Ugochinyere stated during the debate.
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