The House of Representatives has approved an increase in campaign spending limits for candidates contesting elective offices in Nigeria as part of amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
The decision was taken during Thursday’s plenary following clause by clause consideration of a report on proposed changes to the electoral law ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Under the approved amendments, the spending ceiling for presidential candidates was raised from 5 billion naira to 10 billion naira. The maximum campaign expenditure for gubernatorial candidates was increased from 1 billion naira to 3 billion naira.
Lawmakers also raised the limit for senatorial candidates from 100 million naira to 500 million naira, while candidates seeking election to the House of Representatives will now be allowed to spend up to 250 million naira, up from the previous cap of 70 million naira.
For state House of Assembly elections, the campaign spending limit was increased from 30 million naira to 100 million naira. At the local government level, candidates contesting chairmanship positions will now be permitted to spend up to 100 million naira, compared to the former limit of 30 million naira.
The spending cap for councillorship candidates was also reviewed upwards, doubling from 5 million naira to 10 million naira.
In addition to revising expenditure limits, the House approved a significant increase in the maximum amount that individuals or entities can donate to candidates, raising the ceiling from 50 million naira to 500 million naira.
The amendments form part of broader legislative efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral framework. On Wednesday, the House also approved a proposal mandating the real time transmission of election results.
The changes will only take effect after concurrence by the Senate and assent by the President.
