In a bold legislative move, the House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.
The bill, jointly sponsored by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Hon. Daniel Ago, was presented during Thursday’s plenary session. It marks a significant step toward reshaping Nigeria’s electoral culture amid widespread concerns over declining voter turnout.
While leading the debate on the floor, Hon. Ago argued that compulsory voting would enhance democratic participation and reduce the growing voter apathy that has plagued recent elections.
“This bill is aimed at awakening the civic consciousness of Nigerians. If passed, it would ensure that every eligible citizen takes part in the democratic process and plays a role in electing those who govern them,” Ago said.
Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing drop in voter turnout over the years, with less than 30% participation recorded in the 2023 general elections—a trend critics say undermines the legitimacy of elected leaders.
However, the bill was not without opposition. Hon. Mark Esset of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Akwa Ibom State, raised concerns over the practicality and fairness of mandatory voting without first addressing the underlying issues affecting electoral credibility.
“We shouldn’t build on a shaky foundation,” Esset argued. “Many Nigerians stay away from the polls not out of indifference, but because they lack faith in the transparency and fairness of the process. Making voting compulsory won’t fix that.”
He emphasized that any move to mandate voting must be accompanied by sweeping reforms to restore public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the integrity of elections.
The bill has now been referred to the relevant House committees for further legislative action. If eventually passed into law, Nigeria would join a handful of countries such as Australia and Belgium where compulsory voting is enforced.
The development has sparked nationwide debate on whether mandatory voting would strengthen democracy or infringe on individual freedoms.