From N5bn to N10bn for presidential — reps increase campaign spending limits for candidates
The House of Representatives has approved significant increases to campaign spending limits for candidates contesting various elective offices in Nigeria. The decision was taken during Thursday’s plenary, following a detailed clause-by-clause review of the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
Under the revised framework, presidential candidates can now spend up to N10 billion on their campaigns, doubling the previous limit of N5 billion. Gubernatorial candidates will be allowed to spend N3 billion, up from the previous N1 billion, while senatorial candidates can expend as much as N500 million, a fivefold increase from the existing N100 million ceiling.
Campaign expenditure limits for House of Representatives aspirants have been raised from N70 million to N250 million, while state House of Assembly candidates can now spend up to N100 million, up from N30 million. At the local government level, chairmanship candidates are permitted to spend N100 million, and councillorship candidates can now expend N10 million, double the previous limit.
In addition to adjusting spending limits, the House also approved an increase in the maximum amount individuals or organizations can donate to candidates, raising the cap from N50 million to N500 million.
These changes form part of ongoing legislative efforts to revise Nigeria’s electoral laws ahead of the 2027 general elections. Separately, lawmakers recently approved a proposal requiring the real-time transmission of election resultsfrom polling units, further enhancing transparency in the electoral process.
The amendments will take effect once the Senate concurs and the President gives assent.
