Bill To Jail Eligible Nigerians Who Fail To Vote Scales Second Reading At Reps

A bill seeking to make voting compulsory for Nigerians of voting age on Thursday scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

Titled “A 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 proposed legislation seeks to introduce compulsory voting for eligible Nigerians.

The bill which was first introduced by Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen in February proposes imposing a maximum of six months imprisonment or a fine of no more than N100,000 for Nigerians of voting age who fail to vote during elections.

Presenting the bill during Thursday’s plenary session, co-sponsor of the bill and member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Daniel Asama, argued that compulsory voting would deepen democracy, strengthen civic engagement, and reduce voter apathy.

According to him, democracy thrives when citizens are actively engaged in the process of selecting their leaders and shaping the direction of governance.

He lamented Nigeria’s persistently low voter turnout, stating that it undermines electoral legitimacy and weakens democratic institutions.

“Voting is not only the right, but a civic responsibility. For global precedents, several democracies including Australia, Belgium and Brazil, for instance, have adopted mandatory voting for the positive outcomes in terms of political participation and public accountability. For electoral apathy and voter inducement, mandatory voting can significantly reduce the influence of vote buying as more citizens vote”, the lawmaker argued. 

In his contribution, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu supported the bill, saying it a good proposition and a step towards entrenching civic responsibility.

According to him, Nigerians are quick to condemn administrations, but slow to fulfil their civic obligations. 

Kalu said: “In other climes that we have travelled to or lived, personally in Australia, it is actually an offence for you not to vote during elections. So it is a good proposition coming out from you and the person that partnered with you to sponsor this bill”. 

But the member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Awaji-Inombek Abiante questioned the bill’s practicality and enforceability.

According to him, “It is not just enough to legislate compulsory voting. How will it be enforced?

“There are people who register in this country and they are in Ghana, they are in the US, they are in Australia, they are in London. Who will provide the logistics for them to come? If you say it is compulsory, probably you will deny them a renewal of their passports. So how will they get to my village for instance”, Abiante queried.

He warned against imposing penalties in a system still suffering with infrastructural deficits and questioned whether it would be fair to punish citizens who are unable to access polling units due to systemic challenges.

But Kalu, raising a point of order, cautioned

Abiante against irrelevant submissions, stressing that members must confine their arguments to the principle of the bill, not its implementation challenges.

“What we are discussing is whether or not it should be mandatory for citizens to participate in elections. When it is time for debate on the budget or economic policies of the country, we can go into all that. What we are talking regards to our electoral laws.

“It is good for Nigeria to show patriotism, that spirit of nationalism, participating in what is going on in your country, not just criticizing”, the deputy speaker stated. 

Abbas however clarified that there is no law without exemption, assuring that there could be exemption in certain cases. 

Another lawmaker, Esset Udo representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Asutan/Ibesikpo Federal Constituency supported the spirit of the bill but expressed skepticism about citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.

He said: “It is a good and wonderful bill. Mandating citizens to vote is not the problem but a situation where citizens have lost confidence in the system. We should also make a law that will make vote count. The last election, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and his officials gave all sorts of promises but we saw all what happened. 

But Kalu shut him againt. 

Again, Kalu shut down the comment, saying it as against the rules of the House.

Speaker Abbas, however, acknowledged Udo’s concerns and suggested that compulsory voting could actually help restore public confidence in leadership and governance.

Also speaking, member representing Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi Federal Constituency, Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani described the bill as one of the best and most unique introduced this year.

After an exhaustive debate, the Speaker put the question to a voice vote. Though a section of the chamber shouted “nay” more loudly, Abbas ruled in favour of the “ayes.”

The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.