The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act, 2002, to make voting compulsory for Nigerians of maturity age in all national and state elections. The proposed legislation is sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, and Daniel Asama Ago.
Debating the bill on the floor of the House, Mr Ago, who represents Bassa/Jos North under the Labour Party, said the move is aimed at curbing voter apathy and increasing citizens’ participation in the democratic process. He also argued that mandatory voting could reduce vote buying during elections.
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Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the bill as a step in the right direction, citing countries like Australia where compulsory voting is enforced. However, some lawmakers raised concerns about the credibility of the voters register and declining public trust in the electoral system.
In a related development, a bill seeking to amend the Labour Act to extend maternity leave to six months has been stepped down. The sponsor, Hon Chike Okafor of Okigwe South, Imo State, withdrew the proposal after several lawmakers—including women—argued it could make women less employable and widen gender disparities in the workplace.
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