As the 2027 general elections approach, civil society organisations (CSOs) have called for all elections to be conducted on a single day to reduce costs and inefficiencies.
This proposal was discussed yestetday in Abuja during a policy dialogue organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development.
Speaking at the event, a political scientist at Nile University, Abuja, Dr. Iroro Izu, argued that the current staggered election system is unsustainable given the high costs incurred by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). He pointed out that countries such as the United States, Brazil and India have long adopted single-day elections.
“This approach will save government funds, prevent unnecessary economic losses, curb voter disenfranchisement caused by the bandwagon effect, and minimise electoral fraud”, Izu stated.
Similarly, pioneer Executive Director of Centre LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, noted that most speakers at the dialogue supported the idea, adding that efforts would be made to engage INEC, political parties, and other stakeholders on its feasibility.
However, INEC’s Director of Operations, Adigun Hakeem, clarified that the Commission cannot take a position on the matter until it is approved by the National Assembly.
“INEC’s mandate is to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. The National Assembly sets the guidelines, and we follow them accordingly”, Hakeem stated.
