Kenneth Okonkwo Urges INEC to Hold All 2027 Elections Same Day, Cites Cost and Security Concerns
Veteran Nollywood actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider its timetable for the 2027 general elections, urging the commission to schedule all polls — including presidential, governorship, and legislative elections — on the same day.
Okonkwo expressed disappointment that the electoral body fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027, about two weeks later.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain argued that Nigeria’s current economic realities do not support the huge logistics required to conduct elections on separate days. He noted that holding all elections simultaneously could significantly reduce the projected ₦873 billion budget for the exercise.
According to him, security challenges and financial hardship may also discourage voters from returning to polling units twice within a short period, potentially worsening voter apathy.
Okonkwo further maintained that there is no legal barrier preventing INEC from conducting all elections in one day, stating that the commission’s guidelines are flexible enough to accommodate such adjustments when necessary.
He therefore appealed to the INEC leadership to urgently review the timetable in the interest of national resources and voter participation.
Opinion: One-Day Elections — Practical Solution or Risky Gamble?
Kenneth Okonkwo’s proposal raises an important national conversation about electoral efficiency in Nigeria. On the surface, the argument appears logical: conducting all elections on the same day could reduce costs, minimize logistics, and limit the burden on voters already struggling with economic and security challenges.
Nigeria has, over the years, faced concerns about voter turnout, with many citizens losing enthusiasm after participating in the first round of elections. Combining elections might help maintain voter momentum and reduce fatigue.
However, there is another side to the debate. Staggered elections allow electoral officials to focus resources, monitor irregularities more effectively, and manage security deployment in phases. Conducting all elections in one day in a country as large and complex as Nigeria could introduce operational risks if not properly planned.
Ultimately, the real issue may not simply be whether elections should hold in one day or two — but how Nigeria can design an electoral process that is cost-effective, secure, transparent, and convenient for voters.
Okonkwo’s intervention is valuable because it highlights citizens’ growing concerns about public spending and electoral participation. In a time when Nigerians are demanding accountability and efficiency, conversations like this are necessary for strengthening democracy.
What remains clear is that electoral reforms must prioritize the confidence and convenience of the people, because democracy works best when participation is easy and trust is high.
