In a bold legislative push aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s democratic culture, the House of Representatives has passed the second reading of a bill proposing mandatory voting for all eligible citizens. Titled "A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act to Make Voting Compulsory," the legislation is sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Hon. Daniel Ago.
The proposed amendment seeks to combat the growing concern of voter apathy that has plagued recent electoral cycles in Nigeria. In the last general elections, only about 27% of the over 93 million registered voters turned out to cast their votes—a figure that many analysts described as alarmingly low for a country that prides itself on democratic governance.
Presenting the bill, Speaker Abbas noted that democracy thrives not just on free and fair elections, but also on active civic participation. “The health of any democracy is measured by the involvement of its citizens in the electoral process. We must confront this apathy head-on if we are serious about deepening our democratic values,” he said on the House floor.
Co-sponsor Hon. Daniel Ago added that the legislation, if passed into law, would place Nigeria in the league of nations such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where civic duty through voting is legally mandated and enforced. “This bill is not about punishment, it is about responsibility. We want to instill a culture where voting is seen not as optional, but as an obligation,” he explained.
While the bill has been hailed by some civic groups as a step in the right direction, it has also drawn criticism from several quarters. Critics argue that making voting compulsory without simultaneously addressing systemic flaws in the electoral process—such as vote buying, intimidation, logistical lapses, and lack of transparency—could prove counterproductive.
“It is one thing to force people to vote; it is another to give them a reason to believe their votes count,” said Barrister Nnenna Ibe of the Electoral Justice Network. “Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully reformed and trust in its neutrality restored, mandatory voting may only amplify frustrations.”
There are also concerns about enforcement mechanisms and what penalties, if any, would be imposed on defaulters. The bill is silent on punitive measures at this stage, but lawmakers indicated that such details would be ironed out at the committee level.
Some stakeholders are advocating for the inclusion of civic education programs and voter incentives as part of the implementation strategy. “We must also educate our people on why their votes matter, not just coerce them to show up at polling units,” noted Comrade Ayodele Bakare, a youth activist based in Abuja.
The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative scrutiny and public hearing. If it successfully passes through the remaining stages, it could mark one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s electoral law in recent history.
As the debate continues, Nigerians from all walks of life are watching closely, knowing that the future of citizen participation—and indeed, the vibrancy of Nigeria's democracy—may hang in the balance.