Bill for Compulsory Voting: An absurdity in a democracy
By UJi A. Iliyasu
In a move that defies logic, undermines freedom, and insults the collective intelligence of Nigerians, a bill to make voting in general elections compulsory is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. Touted by its sponsors as a path to increased political participation and civic responsibility, this bill is nothing more than a distraction from the real issues plaguing Nigeria’s democracy: corruption, insecurity, economic mismanagement, and widespread disenfranchisement. The bill is, in every sense of the word, an absurdity.
Father Matthew Kukah, one of the nation’s most respected voices of reason and moral clarity, aptly described this bill as “absolute nonsense.” And indeed, it is. For a government that has consistently failed to uphold its own end of the democratic contract to now force citizens to participate in its sham exercises of electoral theater is both hypocritical and tyrannical.
Democracy Is about choice, not coercion
At the heart of any true democracy lies freedom; freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and crucially, freedom of choice. The right to vote is just that, a right, not an obligation. It is a choice to participate in the selection of leaders and to endorse, or reject a system of governance. Coercing citizens to vote under threat of punishment is a violation of that freedom.
There is no sane democracy where voting is made mandatory. Australia is often cited as an example of compulsory voting, but even there, the law is controversial, and the context vastly different. Nigeria is not Australia. We are a nation still grappling with electoral violence, voter intimidation, and the systemic disenfranchisement of millions. Forcing people to vote in a system they do not trust is not democratic; it is authoritarian.
Redirect the energy to accountability
Instead of devising schemes to coerce Nigerians into the voting booth, lawmakers should first ask themselves whether they have lived up to their responsibilities. Did ordinary Nigerians compel them to account for the millions of naira disbursed for constituency projects that remain invisible years later? Did the masses force state governors to fulfill their constitutional duty to protect lives and property? Has the Federal Government answered for the trillions of naira saved from the so-called removal of fuel subsidies?
No, they have not. And yet, here we are, witnessing another episode of misplaced priorities.
Where is the legislation that compels transparency in governance? Where are the laws that mandate severe penalties, yes, even death sentences, for those who loot public funds, launder money, and betray public trust? Corruption remains Nigeria’s biggest cancer, yet our lawmakers are more interested in punishing citizens for their silence than punishing themselves for their crimes.
Elections without trust a Farce
Many Nigerians do not vote, not out of apathy, but because they believe their votes do not count. The electoral process is riddled with rigging, ballot box snatching, and post-election violence. Trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is at an all-time low. Promises of free and fair elections have proven hollow time and again.
In such a climate, forcing people to vote is not only unjust but also dangerous. It does nothing to restore credibility to the process; it only breeds resentment and deepens political cynicism. If lawmakers truly want higher voter turnout, they should focus on electoral reforms that inspire confidence, not fear.
First to be arrested in 2027
If this bill is allowed to see the light of day, let it be known that there will be resistance. I will be the first to be arrested because nobody will force me to vote in 2027 if things remain unchanged. Peaceful, civil resistance, yes, but resistance nonetheless. And if arrest is the price to be paid for standing against tyranny masquerading as democracy, then so be it. I, for one, will be the first to be arrested in 2027 for refusing to be forced into an electoral charade.
Let us remember that obedience to unjust laws is not a virtue. History is filled with examples of civil disobedience that led to the birth of justice and equality. From Gandhi in India to Mandela in South Africa, to the brave activists of Nigeria’s own #EndSARS movement—change has always required the courage to say “No.”
Focus on creating a system worth voting for
What Nigeria needs is not a law to force people to vote, but a system that makes people want to vote. That means:
Political parties must open their doors to credible, competent Nigerians, not just career politicians and recycled elites.
INEC must be reformed to ensure votes count and results reflect the will of the people.
Citizens must be able to vote without fear of violence or intimidation.
Politicians must be held accountable for campaign promises and public service delivery.
When these fundamentals are in place, Nigerians will not need to be compelled to vote, they will do so willingly, enthusiastically, and proudly.
The hypocrisy of power
There is an old saying that “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.” The Nigerian political class does not have clean hands. They cannot demand civic duty from citizens when they have so flagrantly abandoned their own duty to serve with integrity and humility.
Until lawmakers can show proof of their stewardship—schools built, hospitals equipped, roads constructed, lives improved—they have no moral standing to dictate civic behaviour. It is not the people who are failing democracy; it is the politicians.
Let us call this bill what it truly is: a smokescreen. It is a distraction from the systemic failures of governance and an insult to the intelligence of the Nigerian people. Compulsory voting in Nigeria is not just unworkable; it is undemocratic, unjust, and unacceptable.
We must rise, not with violence, but with our voices, pens, and votes, when we choose to use them, to reject such tyranny. True democracy cannot be forced. It must be earned through good governance, honest leadership, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
So to the lawmakers pushing this bill: we say, take your nonsense elsewhere. Fix the nation first. Then, maybe, just maybe, we’ll show up at the polls, not because we’re forced to, but because we believe again.
Uji A. Iliyasu, is a journalist and creative writer