In what appears to be one of the most significant political maneuvers ahead of the 2026 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly reached a secret agreement with several southern governors to conduct all elections — presidential, governorship, and legislative — on the same day.
According to an exclusive report by Sahara Reporters, the plan was discussed behind closed doors during a series of discreet meetings held in Lagos and Abuja. The discussions, sources claim, were aimed at tightening control over Nigeria’s electoral process, managing political costs, and preventing what insiders describe as “post-election uncertainty and judicial distraction.”
Details of the Alleged Deal
Reliable sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and among southern political elites revealed that the move is being packaged as an “electoral reform” meant to reduce voter fatigue and curb post-election violence. However, many political observers interpret it as a strategic attempt by Tinubu to consolidate power and reduce opposition influence.
Under the proposed arrangement, INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) would be directed to harmonize the election calendar so that all major elections occur simultaneously. That means Nigerians would cast votes for president, governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives and state assemblies on the same day — a system not practiced in the country’s democratic history.
The move reportedly gained support from several southern governors who believe it would save them from extended political campaigns and the heavy costs associated with staggered elections. However, critics within the Northern political bloc are said to be unhappy, viewing the plan as a way to weaken regional influence and centralize control around the presidency.
Inside the Political Calculations
Sources quoted by Sahara Reporters allege that the agreement was brokered after weeks of tension between the presidency and some southern governors who had been demanding greater control over local political structures and party nominations.
President Tinubu, who has been battling internal divisions within the APC and public criticism over economic hardship, reportedly assured the governors of “a more balanced electoral arrangement” that would favor continuity and reduce the role of federal agencies in local elections.
A senior political aide familiar with the meetings told Sahara Reporters that, “the President believes this will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and end the waste of time and resources caused by staggered elections.”
However, opposition figures are not convinced. Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have expressed fears that such synchronization could enable massive electoral manipulation, especially if INEC and security agencies are under pressure from the federal government.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
The news of the secret deal has triggered sharp reactions across the political landscape.
Civil society groups and election monitoring organizations have warned that rushing such a reform without public consultation could undermine democratic transparency.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who has been a strong critic of Tinubu’s administration, described the alleged plan as “a constitutional ambush designed to centralize election power in the presidency.”
Some members of the National Assembly have also voiced concerns that the plan, if true, would require significant constitutional amendments. Nigeria’s electoral framework currently separates national and state elections by several weeks to ensure proper logistical planning and transparency.
Legal experts have echoed similar sentiments, noting that such a massive electoral reform cannot be executed through executive directives alone. A constitutional amendment would be required — one that must pass through both chambers of the National Assembly and receive approval from two-thirds of state assemblies across the federation.
Public Reactions and Analysts’ Views
Public opinion remains divided. While some Nigerians see merit in holding all elections in a single day — arguing it could reduce cost and voter fatigue — others believe it’s a veiled move to control outcomes.
Political analyst Dr. Tunde Akinyemi said, “Nigeria is not logistically ready for a one-day, all-inclusive election. INEC still struggles with materials, technology, and results transmission. Doing everything in one day could plunge the country into chaos.”
Others, however, argue that the idea could improve efficiency if backed by technology and transparency. “Many countries conduct elections in a single day. It’s not impossible, but it must be driven by reform, not political advantage,” said Ngozi Eze, a democracy advocate based in Abuja.
What Happens Next
As of press time, the Presidency has not issued an official statement on the alleged deal. INEC has also declined to comment, stating that it has not received any formal directive from the federal government regarding election restructuring.
However, insiders suggest that the administration may soon present the plan as part of a broader electoral reform proposal expected to be submitted to the National Assembly before the end of the year.
Observers say the coming weeks will determine whether this proposal is a genuine effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy or another attempt by political elites to reshape the electoral map for their benefit.
For now, the story has added fresh tension to the already heated political atmosphere, as Nigerians watch closely how far the Tinubu administration is willing to go in reshaping the nation’s democratic future.
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