The Senate has passed a bill amending the Electoral Act 2022
to address existing gaps, cut election expenses, and allow elected
officeholders to serve as ad hoc delegates in political party conventions. The
bill successfully scaled its second reading.
Titled the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 701),
it was sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and had its first
reading on February 12, 2025.
Leading the debate, Mustapha stressed the urgent need for
electoral reforms to curb rising costs. He noted that election expenditures had
surged from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023, warning that the
trend was unsustainable and harmful to democracy.
A key amendment in the bill proposes holding all elections on
the same day to reduce costs and boost voter participation. “Simultaneous
elections will cut down expenses linked to prolonged campaigns and staggered
voting while encouraging higher voter turnout,” Mustapha stated.
The bill also seeks to shorten campaign periods to ease
financial pressure on political parties, candidates, and the government. “A
reduced campaign period will minimize excessive spending and allow political
leaders to focus on governance rather than extended electioneering,” he added.
Additionally, the proposed amendment would permit elected
officeholders—including the president, vice president, governors, and National
Assembly members—to serve as ad hoc delegates at their party’s conventions, a
role currently barred under the 2022 Electoral Act. “Excluding elected
officials from internal party affairs is unfair and counterproductive,”
Mustapha argued.He emphasized that the amendments would enhance electoral
efficiency, lower political tensions caused by staggered elections, and free up
government funds for critical infrastructure projects.
Citing international examples, Mustapha urged his colleagues
to support the bill. “Countries like the United States, India, and Brazil
conduct same-day elections, significantly reducing costs and improving
electoral processes. Nigeria must embrace this model for a more effective
democracy,” he said.
