Nigerian House of Representatives Proposes Single-Day Elections for Nigeria’s 2027 Polls

The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a major reform to Nigeria’s electoral system by recommending that all five key elections scheduled for 2027 be held on a single day. This recommendation is part of the proposed Electoral Act 2025, aimed at streamlining the electoral calendar and enhancing the efficiency of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Under the plan, presidential, gubernatorial, national assembly, state assembly, and local government elections would be conducted simultaneously. Lawmakers believe this consolidation will reduce electoral fatigue among voters and significantly lower the financial and logistical burdens currently faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Proponents argue that a unified election day could boost voter turnout by simplifying participation and reduce electoral disruptions caused by staggered polls. Concentrating security resources on one election day is also expected to mitigate the violence and malpractice frequently associated with Nigeria’s prolonged election cycles.

However, critics warn that managing multiple ballots on the same day could complicate logistics and potentially jeopardize the credibility of the results.

The Electoral Act 2025 is currently under review by parliamentary committees and awaits further debate and approval before becoming law. If enacted, the reform would represent a landmark shift in Nigeria’s electoral framework, reflecting efforts to modernize governance and strengthen democratic institutions.

Political parties, civil society groups, and electoral stakeholders are closely watching the proposal to ensure any changes maintain the integrity and inclusiveness of the electoral process.