27th March , 2025
Kehinde Oni
News desk
The House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading that seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to mandate all general elections—including those for the President, Governors, National Assembly, State Assemblies, and Local Government Councils—to be held on the same day.
The bill, titled “A Bill for All Elections (Presidential, Governorship, Senate, Reps, State Assembly, and LGA) to Be Held in One Day,” was sponsored by Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Mr. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, and 34 other lawmakers. It proposes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) determine election dates in consultation with the National Assembly.
Additionally, the House passed 39 constitutional amendments aimed at electoral reforms, judicial restructuring, security, and governance. The proposed changes would grant INEC greater authority to set election dates while ensuring all general elections occur simultaneously. Meanwhile, a newly proposed body, the National Local Government Election Commission (NLGECO), would oversee local government elections to prevent state governments from influencing outcomes.
Proponents of the bill argue that holding all elections on a single day will reduce costs, minimize electoral violence, and boost voter participation. The creation of NLGECO is also expected to enhance transparency and accountability in local elections.
The bill was put to a voice vote by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who presided over the session.
