By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
The House of Representatives passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to mandate the simultaneous conduct of all general elections in Nigeria on the same day.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, Ejiroghene Waive, and 34 other lawmakers, was presented for debate by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere.
According to the bill, elections into the offices of the President, state governors, and members of the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, and local government area councils will be conducted on a single date, to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in consultation with the National Assembly.
The bill seeks to amend key sections of the Constitution, including Sections 76, 116, and 132, to reflect the new electoral arrangement.
The proposed amendments specifically mandate that all elections be held simultaneously and in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
When Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, put the bill to a voice vote, lawmakers gave it overwhelming support and passed it for further legislative action.
The proposed reform is expected to enhance electoral efficiency, reduce costs, and minimise security risks associated with staggered elections.
However, it will require further legislative scrutiny and approval by two-thirds of state assemblies before it can become law.
