In a historic move, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has just passed a pivotal bill that could transform the nation’s election process forever. On Tuesday, the bill calling for the synchronization of presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state assembly, and local government elections on the same day was approved for its second reading. The bill, a bold step towards election reform, now heads to the next phase of legislative scrutiny.
Sponsored by Imo State lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere and backed by 35 other members of the House, the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution was presented during plenary by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
According to a copy of the bill obtained, the new proposal seeks to amend Section 116 of the Constitution. It introduces a new subsection (3), which mandates that all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly members, State Assembly members, and Local Government Area Councils be held on the same day. The exact date would be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in consultation with the National Assembly, and in line with the Electoral Act.
Further reinforcing this groundbreaking proposal, the bill also seeks to amend Section 132. This change would add a new paragraph (a) to subsection (1), underscoring the requirement for simultaneous elections across all tiers of government.
The bill passed the second reading with overwhelming support from lawmakers, as Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, put it to a voice vote. With the bill now referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, it is one step closer to becoming a reality. This move is being hailed as a significant stride toward streamlining Nigeria’s electoral process and reducing the burden of holding staggered elections.
Stay tuned as this game-changing bill advances through the legislative process!
