Some political scientists say Nigeria lacks the logistics and facilities to conduct the 2027 general elections in one day.
They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka yesterday.
They reacted to calls for a one-day general elections to cut costs and reduce the bandwagon effect.
Prof. Jonah Onuoha of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said it would not only be difficult but also impossible.
He noted that Nigeria lacks the necessary electoral logistics and infrastructure to implement such an arrangement.
Onuoha, a former head of Political Science Department, said even elections currently held in one day face serious logistical problems.
“The same problem occurred during the governorship and state assembly elections held on the same day.
So, I wonder what would happen if all elections were conducted the same day,” he said.
Onuoha, also the director of the Centre for American Studies, said the goal should not be cost-cutting but electoral transparency.
“What’s the use of a one-day election if it’s flawed and many Nigerians are disenfranchised?” he asked.
He argued that conducting elections on different days ensures they are credible, free, and fair.
Dr Chinedu Ejezie, a senior lecturer at UNN, described the idea as good but currently impractical.
He said the country lacks the capacity in terms of logistics, manpower, and facilities to handle such an exercise.
“It’s a good idea, but we presently lack the structure to carry it out successfully,” Ejezie said.
He added that INEC’s manpower and facilities must be upgraded, alongside legal amendments, before such a plan can work.
Ejezie said the key issue should be ensuring elections reflect the will of Nigerians, not cutting expenses.
“This money we hope to save might end up in politicians’ pockets. Nigerians care more about their votes counting,” he said.
Dr Chigozie Okonkwo of the Institute of African Studies said the focus must be on upholding electoral laws.
“If staggered elections suffer from poor logistics and malpractice, imagine what will happen with everything on one day,” he noted.
He said it doesn’t matter whether elections are staggered or simultaneous; what matters is credibility and fairness.
“The aim shouldn’t be mainly to save cost, but to uphold legality and the constitution,” he added. (NAN)
