The House of Representatives is considering a new bill that seeks to penalize eligible Nigerian voters who fail to participate in elections, with proposed sanctions including a six-month jail term or a fine of N100,000.
The bill, which was recently introduced during a plenary session, aims to address the growing trend of voter apathy in the country. Lawmakers argue that the declining voter turnout undermines the democratic process and weakens the legitimacy of elected public officials.
According to proponents of the bill, civic participation through voting should be seen not just as a right but also as a mandatory duty of every citizen. They insist that making voting compulsory and attaching legal consequences for non-compliance will improve civic responsibility and encourage greater public involvement in governance.
Under the proposed legislation, Nigerians who fail to vote in elections without justifiable reasons will either pay a fine of N100,000 or face up to six months in prison.
The bill has already sparked reactions from civil society groups, legal experts, and political analysts. While some support the move as a bold step toward strengthening democracy, others have criticized it as an infringement on citizens’ freedom of choice.
As debates continue in the National Assembly, the bill is expected to undergo further scrutiny and public hearings before it can be passed into law.
