The House of Representatives has begun considering a bill that would make it compulsory for all eligible Nigerians to vote during elections, sparking debate across the country.
The bill, championed by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and supported by several lawmakers including Hon. Amadi from Imo State, proposes that Nigerians of voting age must not only register to vote but must also show up on election day—or face legal consequences. The bill has already been referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.
Supporters of the bill say it is a necessary step to get citizens more involved in nation-building. “If we want good governance, we must start by participating in the process that brings leaders to power,” Hon. Amadi said during the debate. “We cannot expect change if we sit back and do nothing.”
He added that youths, in particular, must take responsibility by getting their voter cards and showing up to vote, arguing that many complain about bad governance without playing their part in elections.
However, not all lawmakers are fully on board. Hon. Uno from Akwa Ibom State expressed concern about voter apathy, saying that many Nigerians have lost confidence in the system. “It’s not just about making voting compulsory,” he said. “Let us first restore people’s trust that their votes will count.”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged the concerns but maintained that the bill is a step toward accountability. “When citizens vote, they feel responsible for their choices and are more likely to hold leaders accountable,” he said.
Interestingly, some lawmakers suggested learning from other countries where voting has been simplified—such as online voting—making participation easier and more appealing.
The big question now is: Should Nigerians be forced to vote, or should their right to abstain also be respected? Drop your view in the comment section.
