The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the National Assembly over a proposed bill seeking to penalize Nigerians who fail to vote during elections, describing the idea as absurd and a misplaced priority.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the association’s National Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, called the bill “ridiculous” and “laughable.” She warned that Nigerian students would mobilize in protest if lawmakers proceeded with the proposal.
“NANS views the proposed bill by the National Assembly to impose a fine and a jail term on eligible Nigerians who do not vote as not only ridiculous but laughable. If passed, it would make Nigeria a laughingstock globally,” Akinbodunse said.
The controversial bill, titled “Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022,” was introduced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. It seeks to make voting compulsory for all eligible citizens in national and state elections. The bill proposes a fine of N100,000, a six-month jail term, or both for anyone who fails to vote without a valid excuse.
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According to the lawmakers, the bill is intended to combat voter apathy and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process. However, Akinbodunse dismissed the justification, saying the electoral system itself lacks credibility and does not inspire confidence in voters.
“Instead of fixing the loopholes that enable electoral fraud and undermine the people’s will, the National Assembly is focused on punishing citizens who choose not to participate. That is not democracy; it is coercion,” she stated.
She argued that voting is a right, not an obligation to be enforced through punishment, especially in a country where many believe their votes do not count.
Describing the bill as “a comedy show from the National Assembly,” Akinbodunse said NANS would rally civil society groups, organized labour, and other stakeholders to reject it.
“As the umbrella body of Nigerian students, NANS will mobilize massively against this proposed bill aimed at imposing a needless law on Nigerians,” she said. “We call on civil society organizations and labour unions to rise and resist this charade.”
She urged lawmakers to channel their energy into reforming the electoral process to restore public confidence and ensure transparency, rather than punishing non-participation.
