The House of Representatives is advancing a major electoral reform that could see all key elections in 2027—presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly—held on the same day.
The proposal, part of the new Electoral Act 2025 sponsored by Hon. Bayo Balogun, has already passed its second reading. It aims to streamline Nigeria’s voting process and reduce election-related disruptions and costs.
Among other provisions, the bill introduces stricter timelines for election petitions, spending caps for candidates (₦10 billion for presidential aspirants), and mandates simultaneous electronic and manual transmission of results.
It also introduces a ₦50 million fee for groups applying to register as political parties and discourages by-elections by allowing parties to replace deceased or resigned lawmakers within 60 days.
The bill proposes special early voting for security agents, INEC staff, and journalists and maintains the use of BVAS while expanding ID options for voters.
If passed, the Electoral Act 2025 will mark one of the most sweeping overhauls in Nigeria’s democratic history.
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