The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a new Electoral Bill 2025, which has passed its Second Reading.
This bill aims to repeal and replace the Electoral Act No. 13, 2022, and introduces several significant amendments to how elections are conducted in Nigeria.
Here are the key proposals:
1. Single Election Day:
The most prominent proposal is to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to simultaneously conduct all five elections – presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives, governorship, and House of Assembly polls – on a single day in 2027. This is a departure from the current staggered election system.
2. Financial Regulations:
Political Association Registration Fee: A fixed administrative fee of N50 million is proposed for political associations seeking registration as parties.
The 2022 Act left this amount to INEC's discretion.
Election Expense Limits:
1. Presidential election expenses: Restricted to N10 billion.
2. Governorship election expenses: Restricted to N3 billion (an increase from N1 billion in the 2022 Act).
3. Senatorial election expenses: N500 million.
4.House of Representatives election expenses: N250 million.
5. Houses of Assembly and Chairmanship (Area Council) election expenses: N30 million.
6. Councillorship election expenses: N10 million.
Individual/Entity Donation Limit: No individual or other entity shall donate more than N500 million to a candidate.
3. Election Timelines:
Conduct of Elections: Elections at all levels shall be held not earlier than 210 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the incumbent's term.
General Elections on Same Day: While the 2022 Act mandates INEC to declare a notice of election 360 days before the election, the proposed amendment explicitly states that, apart from off-cycle elections, all general elections shall hold on the same day.
Submission of Candidate Lists: Political parties must submit the list of their proposed candidates, who must have emerged from valid primaries, to INEC not later than 210 days before the general election. This list must be accompanied by an affidavit sworn by the candidate confirming they have fulfilled all constitutional requirements.
INEC is to publish these particulars within 21 days of receipt.
4. Addressing By-Elections and Candidate Replacement:
The bill aims to reduce the frequency of by-elections resulting from the resignation or death of elected members. It proposes that the political party that sponsored the deceased or resigned lawmaker should produce his replacement.
1.If a vacancy occurs more than 90 days before the general elections, an election shall be held to fill the vacancy not later than 30 days after its occurrence.
2.Political parties are generally not allowed to change or substitute candidates whose names have been submitted, except in cases of death or withdrawal. In such instances, the affected party must hold another primary election and submit a new candidate within 14 days.
5. Election Petitions:
The determination of election petitions is proposed to be within 90 days after the exercise.
6. False Information and Impersonation:
It will be an offense for anyone to present themselves for election without meeting the stipulated qualifications.
An impostor risks a fine of N5 million, and the party presenting an unqualified candidate will be liable to a fine of not less than N10 million on conviction.
Aspirants who participated in primaries and have reasonable grounds to believe a candidate's submitted information or affidavit is false can file a suit at the Federal High Court.
7. Access to Candidate Information:
A person may apply to INEC for a copy of a candidate's nomination form, affidavit, and other submitted documents, and INEC shall provide a certified true copy within 14 days upon payment of a prescribed fee.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Bayo Balogun (APC, Lagos), the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, represents a significant push for electoral reform in Nigeria.