Rights on the ballot: NBA leader blasts mandatory voting bill amid rising electoral fears

DDM News

Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade has condemned the proposed bill mandating voting in Nigeria.

She is the managing partner at Sunesis DLP and an executive member of the NBA, Lagos Branch, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

Akingbade called the bill a “gross infringement” on fundamental human rights.

She shared her concerns at a recent public forum on democratic participation.

According to her, the bill is deeply flawed and violates constitutional freedoms.

“I went out to vote in the last election,” she recalled.

“But people told me to stay home for safety,” she added.

She cited violence and harassment at polling units as major deterrents.

“In some places, people were actually injured while trying to vote,” Akingbade said.

She questioned why Nigerians must risk harm to fulfill civic responsibilities.

The NBA has expressed strong constitutional concerns regarding the bill.

Akingbade pointed to Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

She emphasized this section guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to abstain.

Section 40, she added, protects freedom of association.

That includes religious or personal beliefs that may prevent voting participation.

“You can’t legislate against that without violating rights,” she warned.

The organization reported increased violence and suppression during the 2023 elections.

Akingbade stressed that penalties won’t cure voter apathy.

“It’s like punishing a sick person for refusing medicine,” she said.

“That’s not inclusion, it’s coercion,” she argued.

She believes voter apathy stems from deeper systemic issues.

Many Nigerians no longer trust the electoral process.

Technical failures, late arrivals, and rigging have discouraged honest voters.

Akingbade stated, “If people don’t trust their votes count, they won’t vote.”

She said reforms must address disenfranchisement, not punish its victims.

“You want inclusion?” she asked.

“Then start by fixing the system,” she urged.

She called for credible processes and public sensitization.

“The last elections were a missed chance to restore trust,” she added.

Hon. Victor Chukwuemele Obuzor joined the conversation to defend the bill.

He represents Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency under the PDP.

Obuzor admitted the bill may be unpopular among Nigerians.

But he said it aims to promote civic duty and debate.

“There are no enforcement mechanisms yet,” Obuzor clarified.

He explained that the bill is still under national discussion.

“A public hearing will allow Nigerians to contribute,” he said.

According to him, it’s about starting a conversation, not punishment.

Still, legal experts remain concerned about the bill’s intent.

They argue it treats symptoms while ignoring deeper democratic failures.

Akingbade closed with a strong call for reform.

“What we need is not punishment,” she concluded.

“But reform, and above all, trust.”

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