Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) has condemned a proposed bill that seeks to criminalise non-participation in national and state elections.
The Nigeria-based human rights organisation described the move in a bill before the National Assembly as unconstitutional and counterproductive.
A statement by the organisation’s Senior Communication Officer, Obinna Ejiogu on Tuesday in Abuja expressed deep concern over the bill which recently passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill is titled “a Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the proposal was introduced on March 30 by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Hon. Daniel Asama.
The bill prescribes a fine of up to N100,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both, for eligible voters who fail to participate in elections without valid justification.
The bill recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, bringing it steps closer to becoming law.
Hon. Daniel Asama described the bill as aimed to encourage citizens participation in the electoral process, noting that low voter turnout during elections would be addressed if the bill scales legislative scrutiny.
Reacting, HBBA argued that such legislation criminalised civic disengagement while ignoring deeper systemic issues that hinder electoral participation.
This, he said, including insecurity, logistical challenges, voter suppression, and public distrust in the electoral process.
“Voting is a constitutional right, not a forced obligation. The Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 guarantee citizens the freedom to participate voluntarily.
“It is deeply ironic and wholly unacceptable that in a country where millions are disenfranchised by insecurity, logistical failures, voter suppression, and lack of trust in the electoral process, the response of lawmakers is to threaten imprisonment rather than reform.
“Voting is a right, not an obligation to be policed by the state through punitive measures,” he said.
Ejiogu warned that the move could worsen the already overcrowded correctional system, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as young people, the poor, and marginalised communities.
“criminalising non-voters will only expand Nigeria’s already overburdened correctional system, where thousands are locked up for petty and non-violent offences”.
He, however, called on the National Assembly to reject the bill entirely, urging the government to focus instead on rebuilding trust in the electoral process.
“The government should prioritise restoring confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), improving security at polling units, enhancing voter education, and addressing the socio-political barriers that discourage participation,” he maintained.(NAN)
