The House of Representatives was sharply divided on Thursday over a bill proposing to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians in national and state elections.
The bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Plateau lawmaker Daniel Asama, passed second reading during plenary, sparking intense debate among lawmakers.
If enacted, the legislation would penalize eligible voters who fail to vote without a valid excuse with a fine of ₦100,000, a six-month prison sentence, or both.
Public Backlash and Student Protests
First introduced in mid-April, the bill immediately drew public criticism. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) threatened mass protests, arguing that compulsion is not the solution to low voter turnout.
Asama: ‘Voting Is a Civic Duty’
Leading debate on the bill, Asama emphasized that active participation is at the core of any functional democracy.
“Voting is not only a right but a civic responsibility,” he said. “This bill aims to introduce mandatory voting for all Nigerians of voting age in national and state elections, with narrowly defined exemptions.”
Asama also raised structural concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), criticizing its dual role in organizing elections and regulating political parties.
“This dual mandate creates institutional overload and risks perceived partiality,” he argued. “No agency should both referee and regulate the players in the same match.”
Addressing Voter Apathy
Highlighting Nigeria’s historically low voter turnout, Asama cited the 2023 general elections, where less than 30% of registered voters participated.
“This trend undermines the legitimacy of elected governments,” he said. “Mandatory voting will encourage civic engagement and reduce voter apathy.”
Asama referenced international models like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where compulsory voting has reportedly increased participation and reduced vote-buying.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill proposes:
- Compulsory voting for citizens aged 18 and above in national and state elections
- Legal penalties for unjustified failure to vote
- Exemptions for illness, religious beliefs, or residency abroad
- INEC oversight of compliance and exemption requests
- A public awareness campaign to promote voter education
It also seeks to empower INEC to create mechanisms for tracking compliance without infringing on citizens’ rights.
Critics Challenge Practicality and Priorities
However, not all lawmakers supported the bill. PDP members Mark Esset (Akwa Ibom) and Awaji-Inombek Abiante (Rivers) opposed it, citing unresolved electoral challenges.
“We’re trying to legislate on a foundation that’s already broken,” Esset said. “If we make voting compulsory, we should first ensure the votes count.”
Abiante echoed this, asking, “What guarantees do citizens have for their security or that their votes will be respected? We still have names like ‘Mike Tyson’ on the voter register.”
He also questioned the logistics of enforcing the law on Nigerians living abroad.
Supporters Urge Reform
Despite opposition, some lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Tijani Ghali (NNPP, Kano), and Amadi Akarachi (APC, Imo), spoke in favor of the bill, stressing the need to build stronger democratic norms.
The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for further consideration.
