Nigerians Oppose Proposed Law to Make Voting Mandatory with Jail Time for Non-Compliance

A new bill proposed in Nigeria’s House of Representatives that seeks to make voting compulsory has sparked nationwide backlash. The bill, titled “An Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make Voting Mandatory for All Eligible Nigerians”, includes harsh penalties: a six-month prison sentence, a ₦100,000 fine, or both for those who fail to vote. 

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly condemned the bill, calling it oppressive and a violation of fundamental rights. According to SERAP, the proposal undermines democratic values by criminalizing the choice not to vote—a right that is as essential as the right to vote itself.

Instead of coercing participation, SERAP argues lawmakers should focus on meaningful reforms, such as ensuring electoral transparency, removing immunity for officials who commit election-related offenses, and preventing political appointees from overseeing elections.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also criticized the bill, calling it “ridiculous” and out of touch with the reality that many Nigerians feel disenfranchised due to flawed elections. NANS urged the legislature to prioritize restoring public confidence in the electoral system, not punishing citizens for abstaining.

Though still under consideration, the bill has triggered legal warnings. SERAP has vowed to challenge the legislation in court if it becomes law, citing its unconstitutionality and potential for abuse.