Abuja: The quest for further reforms of the Electoral Act is gaining momentum as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. At the center of these conversations is a bill before the National Assembly proposing that all major elections-presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly-be held on the same day.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the bill, sponsored by Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022. It also proposes early voting for Nigerians on essential duty, such as electoral officials, security personnel, accredited observers, and journalists, allowing them to cast their ballots before the official election date.

While some stakeholders hail it as a bold reform that can save costs, improve logistics, boost turnout, and align Nigeria with international best practices, others warn that the country’s fragile infrastructure and logistical complexities make the idea impractical. Concerns were also expressed about the capability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to handle the responsibility and the political will to properly fund the commission to implement such reform effectively.

Public opinion is divided, with many Nigerians, like businessman Amuda John from Abuja, questioning the necessity of multiple voting days. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) supports the reform, arguing that a single election day would simplify the process and reduce logistical challenges.

Former lawmaker Chief Sam Onuigbo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the time and cost savings of a one-day election. He also highlighted the importance of early voting for essential workers. Meanwhile, Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to conduct elections in one day, citing successful examples from other countries with larger populations.

Public affairs analyst Mr. Jide Ojo also supports the move, arguing that Nigeria can look to international practices for guidance. He noted that elections in countries like the U.S. and Kenya successfully manage multiple ballots on the same day. Ojo believes that with better planning and resource allocation, Nigeria can achieve similar success.

However, an INEC official, speaking anonymously, raised concerns about the practicality of the proposal. The official questioned whether a single election day would guarantee credibility or produce different outcomes. He emphasized the logistical challenges already faced by INEC and cautioned against overloading the system.

Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), described the proposal as an “elite conversation” disconnected from grassroots realities. He highlighted the logistical difficulties faced in transporting election materials across Nigeria’s diverse and expansive terrain.

As the debate continues on whether to embrace one-day elections or retain the staggered model, what remains certain is that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections depends not just on when they are held, but on how well they are managed.