Abadon bill to ‘jail eligible Nigerians who fail to vote’, SERAP’ tells Akpabio, Abbas

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP’) has urgently called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to scrap a controversial bill that could imprison eligible voters for abstaining from elections.

In a strongly worded letter dated March 29, 2025, the rights group condemned the proposed law as unconstitutional and a direct assault on civil liberties.

The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, would impose a six-month jail term, a ₦100,000 fine, or both on Nigerians who fail to vote in national and state elections.

SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare argued that punishing citizens for not voting violates fundamental rights enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights treaties.

“Forcing people to vote under threat of imprisonment is oppressive and undemocratic,” the letter stated.

Rather than coercing participation, SERAP urged lawmakers to focus on meaningful electoral reforms.

The group highlighted critical issues such as curbing vote-buying, stripping immunity from governors accused of electoral crimes, and ensuring INEC appointments remain non-partisan.

“True democracy respects choice—including the right to abstain,” the letter emphasized.

Additionally, SERAP’ pushed for tech-driven voter registration and secure voting systems to rebuild public trust in elections.

The organization warned of impending legal action if the bill progresses.

“Should this legislation pass, we will challenge it in court to prevent its enforcement,” SERAP declared.

Critics argue that compulsory voting ignores deeper systemic problems, such as voter disillusionment and electoral malpractice, which deter participation far more effectively than any penalty could compel it.

As debates intensify, analysts question whether punitive measures address Nigeria’s voter apathy crisis—or merely mask the need for genuine democratic reforms.

With SERAP’s threat of litigation looming, the National Assembly faces mounting pressure to abandon the bill and prioritize solutions that empower, rather than punish, Nigerian voters.