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By Tracy Moses
A contentious discussion unfolded in the House of Representatives on Thursday, 15th May 2025, as lawmakers deliberated on a proposed bill that seeks to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerian citizens during both federal and state elections.
The bill, which successfully scaled second reading at the plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was co-sponsored by the Speaker and Rep. Daniel Asama, who represents Plateau State.
While presenting the bill, Asama stressed that active participation is the bedrock of any democracy. He maintained that the health of a democratic system depends largely on citizens engaging in the electoral process to choose their leaders and influence governance.
“Voting should not merely be seen as a right but as a civic duty,” Asama said. “This legislation aims to revise key portions of the Electoral Act, 2022, to enforce obligatory voting in general elections at both national and subnational levels, with allowances for valid exceptions.”
He also raised concerns about the overstretched mandate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that its combined roles in managing elections and supervising political parties have overburdened the institution and called its impartiality into question, especially during the pre-election period.
Citing the poor turnout in the 2023 elections, with fewer than 30% of registered voters participating, Asama described the bill as a necessary step toward curbing growing electoral apathy. He referenced countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where compulsory voting laws have led to greater political engagement and bolstered democratic systems.
Key elements of the proposed legislation include a requirement that all Nigerians aged 18 and above must vote during federal and state elections. The bill also introduces sanctions for non-compliance without legitimate reasons, while recognizing exemptions for individuals with valid health concerns, religious constraints, or those residing abroad. It gives INEC the authority to set up a system to track compliance and review exemption requests in a manner that respects citizens’ rights. Additionally, the bill advocates for expanded voter education efforts to enhance public understanding of the electoral process.
Nonetheless, some opposition members, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), voiced strong reservations. Rep. Mark Esset, who represents Uyo/Uruan in Akwa Ibom State, criticized the bill for failing to address underlying issues in the electoral system. “We’re attempting to enforce participation on a faulty framework. If voting is to be made compulsory, the process must be transparent and trustworthy,” Esset remarked.
Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Rivers State, also raised concerns. He questioned whether conditions such as voter safety, credible registration, and meaningful participation had been sufficiently resolved. “While democratic participation is vital, have we addressed basic issues like voter list integrity? We still have bizarre entries like Mike Tyson on our rolls. How can we mandate voting without cleaning up the system first?” he asked, also wondering how the diaspora would be included under the proposed law.
Despite opposition, several lawmakers threw their weight behind the bill, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, NNPP’s Tijani Ghali from Kano, and APC’s Amadi Akarachi from Imo, who all emphasized the importance of boosting electoral participation through policy reform.
The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for detailed consideration.