The Nigerian House of Representatives is considering a proposal aimed at conducting presidential, governorship, and legislative elections on the same day as a part of sweeping electoral reforms for the 2027 general elections.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas disclosed that this constitutional amendment is intended to enhance the credibility of elections, improve voter turnout, reduce electoral processes’ length, and cut costs by nearly 40 percent.
He stated that holding all major elections on a single day would streamline the electoral calendar and address voter fatigue.
The proposal is part of a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s electoral laws currently underway by the National Assembly, which includes the drafting of a new Electoral Act bill expected to be passed by November 2025 for implementation in time for the 2027 elections.
Besides same-day elections, other reforms under consideration include reserved parliamentary seats for women and persons with disabilities, financial autonomy for traditional rulers, and other constitutional changes aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.
The House leadership seeks support from state assemblies and national stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms, with advocacy and publicity campaigns planned in collaboration with international partners such as the European Union.
The reform aligns with recommendations from election observers and experts who previously criticized Nigeria’s staggered election system as costly and inefficient, advocating for synchronization with global electoral best practices seen in countries like the United States and Ghana.
If enacted, this reform will significantly reshape Nigeria’s electoral landscape, promising a more efficient, transparent, and participatory election process ahead of the 2027 polls.
