House of Reps Proposes Compulsory Voting Amid Questions Over Electoral Credibility

 

The Nigerian House of Representatives is moving forward with a significant legislative proposal that could alter the nation’s democratic landscape. A new bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians has successfully scaled its second reading on the floor of the House, signaling increasing legislative momentum for the initiative.

Spearheaded by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and his colleague, Daniel Ago, the bill is positioned as a strategy to combat persistent voter apathy and low turnout that have plagued Nigerian elections for decades. The proposed amendment targets the Electoral Act 2022, aiming to transform voting from a civic responsibility into a legal obligation.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Daniel Ago passionately led the debate, framing the proposal as a pivotal intervention in revitalizing the nation’s democratic engagement. He argued that compelling citizens to participate in elections could not only broaden representation but also reinvigorate public interest in governance.

“Democracy thrives on participation,” Ago emphasized. “If Nigerians are required by law to vote, we would be fostering a stronger culture of accountability and civic duty.”

The context for the bill’s emergence lies in a consistent pattern of dwindling voter numbers. Despite Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million, recent general elections have been marked by alarmingly low turnout rates. Lawmakers backing the bill believe mandatory voting could reverse this trend and encourage deeper national involvement in the political process.

Yet, not everyone is convinced that legal compulsion alone can fix Nigeria’s democratic shortcomings.

Raising a contrasting voice during the debate, Mark Esset, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Akwa Ibom State, issued a cautionary note. He acknowledged the good intentions behind the bill but warned that such legislation could be superficial if deeper issues within the electoral process remain unresolved.

“Mandating participation without addressing the trust deficit is a half-measure,” Esset remarked. “We shouldn’t build on a shaky foundation.”

According to Esset, skepticism about the integrity and transparency of elections remains a major deterrent for many Nigerians. Without tangible reforms that restore faith in the electoral system, he argued, compulsory voting could be seen as coercive rather than constructive.

“Many Nigerians abstain not because they’re apathetic, but because they’re disillusioned,” he added. “People need to believe their votes matter.”

This exchange reflects a broader national conversation about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. While the push for compulsory voting introduces a bold new chapter in electoral policy, it also exposes lingering fractures in institutional trust and citizen engagement.

Critics of the bill have pointed to international experiences where compulsory voting exists — such as in Australia and Belgium — noting that these countries pair such laws with robust civic education, transparent systems, and mechanisms to protect voter rights. Without similar safeguards, some argue, Nigeria risks imposing a mandate that may do little to improve actual outcomes.

As the bill progresses through legislative scrutiny, the spotlight will now shift to committee reviews, stakeholder consultations, and potential public hearings. Analysts expect lively debates to continue, especially around implementation strategies and the consequences for non-compliance.

For many observers, the bill is a test of Nigeria’s readiness to adopt assertive democratic reforms. While it holds the promise of higher turnout and deeper participation, its success — and legitimacy — will hinge on the country’s ability to convince its citizens that voting is not just mandatory, but meaningful.

If passed into law, the Electoral Act will undergo a historic transformation, shifting the dynamics of civic engagement in Africa’s most populous nation. But whether that transformation yields real democratic dividends remains an open question — one that lawmakers, civil society, and the Nigerian people must now confront head-on.