SERAP Urges National Assembly To Withdraw Bill Mandating Voting Of Eligible Nigerians

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the National Assembly to withdraw a bill seeking to jail eligible Nigerians who fail to vote in elections.

The bill, currently before lawmakers, proposes a six-month jail term, a fine of N100,000, or both for non-compliance. SERAP condemned the proposal, calling it oppressive and inconsistent with constitutional and human rights principles.

In a letter dated March 29, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reject the bill. The organization argued that forcing Nigerians to vote contradicts democratic principles and fundamental freedoms.

“Jailing citizens for not voting violates their right to personal choice and democratic participation,” SERAP stated. “Rather than punishing citizens, the National Assembly should focus on electoral reforms that encourage participation.”

SERAP also called for amendments to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 to remove immunity for governors and deputies who commit electoral offences. The group urged lawmakers to prohibit appointing political party members as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to SERAP, the best way to address voter apathy is to create a safe voting environment, curb political corruption, and enhance electoral credibility. “Compelling citizens to vote under threat of imprisonment undermines democracy,” the organization added.

SERAP warned that if the National Assembly proceeds with the bill and President Bola Tinubu signs it into law, it would challenge its legality in court.

“The right to vote includes the right not to vote,” SERAP emphasized. “Democracy thrives on free choice, not coercion.”

The organization urged lawmakers to propose bills reducing money’s influence in politics and strengthening electoral integrity rather than criminalizing voter abstention.