House of Reps Moves to Make Voting Mandatory in Nigeria, Advances Electoral Act Amendment Bill
In a bold legislative move aimed at combating political apathy and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundations, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed through second reading a bill to amend the Electoral Act, 2022, to make voting compulsory in national and state elections for all citizens of voting age.
The proposed amendment is jointly sponsored by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (APC, Kaduna) and Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State. According to the sponsors, the bill seeks to deepen democracy by ensuring increased voter participation, enhancing the legitimacy of electoral outcomes, and restoring public confidence in the democratic process.
The bill proposes a mandatory voting framework that would make it legally binding for all eligible Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above to participate in elections at both the national and state levels. It outlines key provisions, including:
Sanctions for Unjustified Failure to Vote: Citizens who fail to vote without a valid excuse would face legal consequences, though the bill ensures that sanctions would be proportionate and respect citizens’ rights.
Grounds for Exemption: Acceptable grounds for not voting would include illness, religious objections, or residency outside the country at the time of the election.
INEC Empowerment: The bill mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to design systems for monitoring compliance, handling exemption applications, and raising voter awareness.
Electoral Education: A significant component of the bill is its emphasis on promoting civic education, so that citizens fully understand the value of their votes and the impact of their participation.
Leading the debate, co-sponsor Hon. Daniel Asama Ago articulated the motivation behind the bill, stressing the need to combat political disengagement, which he described as a major threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability and governance.
“Democracy thrives when citizens are actively engaged in the process of selecting their leaders and shaping the direction of governance,” he said. “Voting is not only a right but a civic duty, and in several established democracies, such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, it is legally enforced with positive results.”
Asama Ago cited the 2023 general elections as a glaring example of declining public engagement, revealing that less than 30% of registered voters participated. He warned that such a low turnout seriously undermines the credibility of elected governments and threatens the effectiveness of democratic institutions.
“Strengthening civic engagement by making voting a legal obligation will instil in citizens a sense of duty and shared responsibility in governance,” he explained.
He also emphasized that compulsory voting could act as a deterrent to vote-buying and electoral malpractice, arguing that a broader and more diverse voter base would dilute the influence of inducement and manipulation.
The lawmakers outlined several anticipated benefits of the proposed legislation, including:
Improved electoral legitimacy and inclusiveness
Reduction in vote suppression and election rigging
Enhanced representation of the electorate’s will
Increased civic consciousness and patriotism
While the bill has sparked interest and debate within and outside the National Assembly, legal experts and civil rights advocates are expected to weigh in on its potential implications for fundamental rights, particularly regarding freedom of choice and non-compulsory political participation.
Nonetheless, the sponsors maintain that the bill is constitutionally sound, especially with its provisions for exemption and respect for religious and health-related concerns.
With the bill having successfully passed second reading, it will now proceed to the committee stage, where further deliberations, stakeholder consultations, and potential adjustments will be made before it is returned for third reading and final passage.
If passed into law, the amendment would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral culture and could position the country among a handful of global democracies where voting is a legal obligation rather than just a civic privilege.