Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State chapter, has thrown its weight behind a constitutional amendment proposal for all elections in Nigeria to be conducted on the same day starting from 2027.
The party’s Vice-Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, expressed support for the move in an interview with StarReporters on Wednesday in Lagos.
The proposal is being led by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
It is being considered as part of broader constitutional changes following zonal public hearings held across the six geo-political zones.
If passed, the amendment would require the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly elections in a single day.
Olalemi said the proposal would reduce logistical costs for INEC, political parties, and candidates, while also curbing staggered elections and minimising the bandwagon effect.
“If this amendment is allowed to scale through, it will bring Nigeria to some form of breakthrough in the democracy we should be practising,” he said.
“A single-day election will not only help our democracy, it will also reduce wastage of resources we expend every four years on election logistics. This will make our elections freer and fairer and make our democracy stronger.”
He added that consolidating elections into one day would reduce the stress that discourages many from voting, potentially increasing political participation and reducing voter apathy.
“How I wish the National Assembly would really see reasons to allow this bill to pass. It will help our elections in so many ways,” Olalemi said.
He suggested that only those with selfish political motives would oppose the proposal, noting that unified election days would help strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“I don’t think anyone should stand against this move. Someday, I believe Nigeria’s election and democracy will grow. It is however cheaper and more efficient for us to do our elections in one day,” he said.
Olalemi argued that holding all elections simultaneously would allow parties to pool resources more effectively for campaigns and logistics.
He added that reducing election-related shutdowns from two days to one would benefit the economy, and relieve pressure on security personnel, media, and observers.
“If we look at the advantages, we should embrace this as another milestone in the nation’s democracy,” he said.
(NAN)