The Senate yesterday passed a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to address existing gaps, reduce election expenses, and allow elected officeholders to serve as ad hoc delegates in political party conventions. The bill passed its second reading.
Titled the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 701), it was sponsored by Sen. Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and had its first reading on February 12, 2025.
Mustapha led the debate and emphasised the urgent need for reforms to make Nigeria’s elections more cost-effective.
He pointed out that election costs had skyrocketed from N1.5 billion in 1999 to N350 billion in 2023, calling the trend unsustainable and detrimental to democracy.
A key amendment proposed in the bill is the introduction of same-day elections to reduce costs and boost voter participation. “Holding elections on the same day will cut expenses from prolonged campaigns and staggered voting while encouraging higher voter turnout,” Mustapha argued.
The bill also seeks to shorten campaign periods to ease financial pressure on political parties, candidates, and the government.
“A shorter campaign period will curb excessive spending and help political leaders focus on governance rather than prolonged electioneering,” he said.
Additionally, the bill proposes allowing elected officeholders—such as the president, vice president, governors, and National Assembly members—to serve as ad hoc delegates at their party’s conventions. The 2022 Electoral Act currently bars them from this role. “Excluding elected officials from party affairs is unfair and counterproductive,” he added.
He highlighted the broader benefits and stated that the amendments would reduce government spending, enhance voter participation, improve electoral efficiency, and lower political tensions caused by staggered elections.
Urging his colleagues to support the bill, Mustapha cited international examples. “Countries like the United States, India, and Brazil conduct same-day elections, cutting costs and improving their electoral processes. Nigeria must adopt this approach to free up resources for critical infrastructure projects,” he said.
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