Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has come out strongly against the proposed bill mandating compulsory voting in Nigeria, stating he would rather serve a jail term than comply with such legislation.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Monday, Agbakoba condemned the bill, which is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives, warning that it fails to address the deeper issues fueling voter apathy across the country.
“If that bill were to pass, I would say, ‘Agbakoba, we will not obey it.’ I’ll plead conscientious objection. I’d rather go to prison for six months than to obey it,” he declared.
Agbakoba questioned the logic behind compelling Nigerians to vote, arguing that the real concern should be why citizens are increasingly uninterested in participating in the electoral process.
“Why would the National Assembly want to impose compulsory voting? Why don’t they reverse the question and ask why Nigerians are not interested? What is the apathy about?” he queried.
The former Nigerian Bar Association president insisted that low voter turnout is not due to civic irresponsibility but a reflection of systemic exclusion, disenchantment, and persistent governance failures that have alienated the people.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic process continues to serve a privileged few, leaving the majority of citizens feeling powerless and disillusioned.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Agbakoba expressed concern over the continued marginalization of ordinary Nigerians, warning that democracy cannot thrive if it remains the preserve of an elite political class.
“The political process has failed to inspire trust or inclusion. The system is closed, and people don’t see a reason to participate anymore,” he added.
Recall that the bill—co-sponsored by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, and Labour Party lawmaker, Daniel Asama Ago—seeks to amend the Electoral Act to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.
The proposal, which has passed its second reading, also includes penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 for those who fail to vote.