Dasuki Advocates for Single-Day 2027 Elections in Nigeria

Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, serving as the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the staggered arrangement for the 2027 general elections. He proposed that both federal and state elections be held on a single day to mitigate economic losses and logistical challenges associated with staggered elections.

Dasuki expressed concerns regarding Section 63 (2) of the Electoral Act, which he warned could compromise election integrity by allowing unmarked ballot papers to be counted under certain conditions. He emphasized that a single election day would not only save costs related to ad hoc personnel and security but also reduce travel burdens for voters amid security challenges.

Dasuki suggested that the elections be scheduled for either January or February 2027, involving five ballot papers for various elections. He noted that the existence of eight off-cycle governorship elections would make this arrangement more feasible, as it would simplify the electoral process and reduce movement across the country.