The House of Representatives has given the green light to significantly raise campaign expenditure limits for candidates vying for elective offices across Nigeria.
The decision was taken on Thursday during plenary after lawmakers concluded clause-by-clause consideration of a report proposing amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
Under the revised thresholds, the maximum campaign spending allowed for presidential candidates was doubled from ₦5 billion to ₦10 billion. Gubernatorial candidates will now be permitted to spend up to ₦3 billion, up from the current ₦1 billion limit.
For National Assembly races, senatorial candidates’ spending cap was increased from ₦100 million to ₦500 million, while candidates seeking seats in the House of Representatives can now spend up to ₦250 million, compared to the previous ₦70 million.
At the state level, aspirants for state houses of assembly will have a new ceiling of ₦100 million, replacing the former ₦30 million limit.
The amendments also affect local government contests. Chairmanship candidates will now be allowed to spend as much as ₦100 million, up from ₦30 million, while the cap for councillorship candidates was reviewed upward from ₦5 million to ₦10 million.
Beyond campaign expenses, lawmakers approved a major increase in allowable donations, raising the maximum contribution by individuals or organisations from ₦50 million to ₦500 million.
These changes form part of a broader review of the electoral framework in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in the week, the House also passed a provision requiring the real-time transmission of election results.
The proposed amendments will only take effect after concurrence by the Senate and assent by the president.
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