A bill seeking to make voting mandatory for all Nigerians of voting age has passed second reading at 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”, the legislation is sponsored by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Asama, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Plateau State.
Originally introduced in February, the bill proposes a fine of up to N100,000 or a six-month jail term for eligible voters who fail to vote during elections.
During Thursday’s plenary, co-sponsor Asama argued that the bill would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by reducing voter apathy and increasing civic engagement. He cited countries like Australia and Belgium where mandatory voting has boosted political participation and accountability.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also backed the bill, stating that Nigerians often criticize the government but fail to fulfil their civic duties. He added that in some countries, not voting comes with penalties, including denial of certain incentives.
However, not all lawmakers agreed.
Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers) raised concerns over the bill’s feasibility, especially for Nigerians living abroad or those without access to polling units. He questioned how enforcement would work in a country still grappling with infrastructural challenges.
Esset Udo (PDP, Akwa Ibom) also cautioned against introducing mandatory voting without restoring faith in the electoral system. “If votes don’t count, people will still stay away,” he said.
Despite opposition from some lawmakers, Speaker Abbas ruled in favour of the bill after a voice vote and referred it to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further deliberation.
