From N5bn to N10bn for presidential — reps increase campaign spending limits for candidates

The house of representatives has approved an increase in the campaign spending limits for candidates contesting elective offices in Nigeria.

The legislators raised the spending cap during Thursday’s plenary, following the clause-by-clause consideration of the report seeking an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022.

Under the approved changes, lawmakers increased the ceiling for presidential candidates from N5 billion in the existing Act to N10 billion.

The maximum amount a gubernatorial candidate can spend on campaigns was hiked from N1 billion to N3 billion, while the limit for senatorial candidates was raised from N100 million to N500 million.

The spending ceiling for candidates seeking election to the house of representatives was also reviewed upwards, from N70 million to N250 million.

For state house of assembly elections, the cap was increased from N30 million to N100 million.

At the local government level, candidates contesting chairmanship positions will now be allowed to spend up to N100 million, up from the previous N30 million.

Similarly, the campaign spending limit for councillorship candidates was doubled from N5 million to N10 million.

In addition to adjusting expenditure limits, the lawmakers also approved an increase in the maximum amount an individual or entity can donate to a candidate, raising the cap from N50 million to N500 million.

The amendments are part of ongoing legislative efforts to review the electoral law ahead of the 2027 elections.

On Wednesday, lawmakers approved a proposal mandating the real-time transmission of election results.

The amendment will come into force once it is concurred to by the senate and assented to by the president.