By Samuel Adeola
A move to compel all eligible Nigerians to vote is gaining ground in the National Assembly as the House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading that would make voting a legal civic duty.
The proposed legislation, jointly sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Representative Daniel Ago, seeks to address the country’s alarming voter apathy.
During the 2023 general elections, only 27 percent of registered voters participated, a figure that sparked concern among democratic advocates.
According to Rep Ago, mandatory voting would promote civic responsibility much like tax compliance.
“If we can pay taxes, we should also be required to choose our leaders,” he said.
However, not all lawmakers agree. Rep Mark Esset from Akwa Ibom cautioned that forcing citizens to vote without reforming the flawed electoral system would only compound frustrations.
He highlighted persistent problems such as vote rigging, insecurity, and lack of trust in the electoral commission.
Countries like Australia and Brazil have long implemented compulsory voting with fines for defaulters, but critics argue that such laws may infringe on personal freedom.
The bill will now undergo further scrutiny as lawmakers engage with the electoral commission, legal experts, and civil society to explore enforcement strategies, penalties, and public acceptance.
If enacted, the law would usher in one of the most dramatic shifts in Nigeria’s democratic process since independence.
