A proposal to amend the Electoral Act 2022 and make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Representative Daniel Ago, aims to address voter apathy and enhance citizen participation in the electoral process.
During Thursday’s plenary, Ago emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “The bill seeks to encourage citizens’ participation in the electoral process, noting that voter apathy during elections would be addressed if the bill scales legislative scrutiny.”
Despite its progression, some lawmakers raised concerns about the bill’s effectiveness in reforming the electoral system. Mark Esset, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Akwa Ibom State, argued that mandatory voting alone would not resolve deeper issues.
“Let us not put something on nothing. If citizens have lost confidence in the electoral system, there is a lot of work to be done,” Esset remarked. “Many Nigerians do not vote during elections because they believe that their votes will not count. If we must make a law to make voting compulsory, we must also make another one to make their votes count.”
Further discussions and legislative scrutiny are expected as the bill advances through the House.
Details to follow.
