The House of Representatives has advanced a constitutional amendment bill seeking to harmonize Nigeria’s general elections into a single day. Sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Hon. Francis Waive, and 34 other lawmakers, the proposed legislation passed second reading on Tuesday after a voice vote presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. The bill mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in consultation with the National Assembly, to fix a unified date for presidential, gubernatorial, national/state assembly, and local government elections.
Key amendments target Sections 76, 116, and 132 of the 1999 Constitution, inserting clauses to synchronize all electoral cycles. House Leader Julius Ihonvbere presented the bill, which argues that concurrent polls would reduce costs, minimize political disruptions, and enhance electoral efficiency. The draft states: “All elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils shall hold simultaneously on the same date.” The bill now proceeds to committee stage for further scrutiny.