SERAP has called on the National Assembly to withdraw a proposed bill that seeks to criminalize voter apathy, warning that it contradicts democratic principles. The organization urges lawmakers to focus on electoral reforms rather than coercion.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to withdraw a proposed bill that seeks to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians, prescribing a six-month jail term or a fine of N100,000 for non-compliance. In a letter dated March 29, 2025, SERAP described the bill as “oppressive” and inconsistent with both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations. Instead, the organization called for amendments to remove constitutional immunity for governors and their deputies involved in electoral offences, as well as a prohibition on appointing partisan individuals as resident electoral commissioners (RECs). “Jailing eligible Nigerians for deciding not to vote would be entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution,” SERAP stated.
SERAP further criticized the bill, arguing that addressing voter apathy requires creating a safer electoral environment and tackling vote-buying and other malpractices rather than punishing citizens for not voting. The group warned that if the bill is passed and signed into law, it would take legal action to challenge its constitutionality. “The right to vote includes the right not to vote,” the letter emphasized, adding that democracy thrives on the free will of the people, not forced participation. SERAP urged lawmakers to focus on meaningful reforms that enhance electoral integrity rather than introducing punitive measures.