As the 2027 general elections approach, civil society organizations are rallying for a shift from the current multi-day voting process to a single-day election system. This proposal was a key resolution during a one-day policy dialogue held in Abuja by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD) on Friday.
At the dialogue, Dr. Iroro Izu of Nile University, Abuja, pointed out that major democracies such as the United States, India, and Brazil conduct their elections in just one day. He emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) incurs substantial expenses when elections extend over several days, leading not only to financial burdens but also to economic losses for citizens and prolonged political tensions. “It is safe to say that it becomes a fool’s paradise to continue in this charade. This is not to add the non-material, socio-psychological trauma faced by Nigerians as a result of a sustained heated political environment,” Izu stated.
He argued that adopting a single-day voting system would save government funds, curb unnecessary economic losses, and prevent subtle disenfranchisement that occurs via the bandwagon effect, urging the government to take bold, efficient, and cost-effective action.
However, not all were in full agreement. Ezenwa Nwagwu, an executive with Partners for Electoral Reforms, urged caution in discarding the multi-day format, noting the need to consider Nigeria’s unique political environment and the cultural dynamics inherent in its electoral process. “If we want to do single day elections, there is more work that is pragmatic than just theoretical engagement,” he commented, stressing that the change should be based on practical realities rather than mere idealism.
A representative from INEC, Director of Operation Adigun Hakeem, explained that the commission’s stance is guided by the electoral rules and guidelines approved by the National Assembly. “INEC’s primary assignment is to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. All activities and guidelines are being spelt out by the National Assembly. We don’t take a position independently; we are here to listen and to participate, and the decision reached today will be submitted to the commission,” he said.
Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Pioneer Executive Director of Centre LSD, noted that the majority of speakers at the dialogue supported the idea of holding elections in a single day. “For us, this is the start of a process. We will work to convert today’s presentations into a policy brief to engage INEC, political parties, and other stakeholders in further exploring the possibility of a single-day election in Nigeria. With 25 years of uninterrupted democracy behind us, we must all work to protect it by ensuring that our electoral process is credible,” he asserted.
The proposal underscores a growing desire to simplify and expedite the electoral process in Nigeria, while also reducing costs and mitigating political tensions. As discussions continue, stakeholders are hopeful that a more efficient, transparent, and accountable election system will emerge for Nigeria’s future.
