House of Reps Moves to Enforce Mandatory Voting in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

 

The Nigerian House of Representatives is currently deliberating a contentious bill that seeks to make voting compulsory for all eligible citizens. Titled the “Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters,” the legislation proposes penalties for non-compliance, including a fine of ₦100,000, a six-month jail term, or both.

The bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, aims to address the persistent issue of voter apathy in Nigeria. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the 2023 general elections witnessed a voter turnout of only 27%, the lowest since the country's return to democracy in 1999. Proponents of the bill argue that mandatory voting would enhance civic participation and strengthen the legitimacy of elected officials.

However, the proposal has sparked significant debate and criticism from various quarters. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the bill, describing it as repressive and inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations. In a letter dated March 29, 2025, SERAP urged the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and focus on reforms that encourage voluntary participation in elections. The organization also warned of potential legal action should the bill be passed into law.

Legal experts have also voiced their opposition. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Awa Kalu stated, “Voting is a civic responsibility; it is not compulsory in any clime known to me. Let’s talk about bills that require genuine legislative action.” Another SAN, Babatunde Fashanu, criticized the proposal as “absolutely ludicrous,” emphasizing that compelling citizens to vote infringes upon their fundamental rights.

Political parties have not remained silent. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faulted the proposed bill, arguing that making voting mandatory is not the solution to voter apathy. ADC National Chairman, Chief Okey Nwosu, attributed low voter turnout to a loss of faith in the electoral system and called for reforms that restore public confidence.

While some countries like Australia and Belgium have implemented compulsory voting laws, critics argue that such measures may not be suitable for Nigeria. Factors such as electoral malpractice, insecurity, and lack of trust in the electoral process contribute to voter apathy. Addressing these underlying issues, rather than penalizing non-voters, may be more effective in increasing participation.

As of today, the bill remains under deliberation in the House of Representatives. It has not yet passed the second reading, and further debates are expected in the coming weeks. The outcome will depend on the consensus among lawmakers and the influence of public opinion.