Experts fault proposal for single-day 2027 general elections

Political scientists have raised concerns over proposals for Nigeria to conduct all 2027 general elections in a single day, saying the country lacks the necessary logistics and infrastructure to support such a move.

Speaking in separate interviews, scholars from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), argued that while the idea may appear cost-effective, it is neither practical nor sustainable given the current realities of the nation’s electoral system.

Prof. Jonah Onuoha, a former Head of the Department of Political Science at UNN, described the plan as “impossible,” citing repeated logistical failures in previous elections—even those held jointly, such as governorship and state assembly polls.

“The same problems will only be magnified if all elections are held in a single day. Instead of chasing cost-cutting measures, our priority should be transparent and credible elections,” he said.

Dr Chinedu Ejezie, a senior lecturer in the same university, noted that Nigeria currently lacks the manpower, equipment, and institutional capacity to handle simultaneous elections.

“It’s a well-meaning idea, but we are not ready. INEC would need structural and legal upgrades for that to happen successfully,” Ejezie said, warning that money saved through the process could be lost to political inefficiency.

Also weighing in, Dr Chigozie Okonkwo of the Institute of African Studies cautioned that compressing all elections into one day could worsen existing challenges like vote suppression and malpractice.

“Whether staggered or simultaneous, the real goal must be credible, fair, and lawful elections—not just cutting costs,” he said.