The House of Representatives is considering a controversial bill to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians in national, state, and local council elections. The bill proposes amending the Electoral Act 2022, imposing a penalty of up to six months imprisonment or a N100,000 fine for those who fail to vote without valid justification. This legislation aims to address the country's low voter turnout, which has steadily declined since 1999, reaching a record low of 26.7% in the 2023 general elections.

The bill's proponents, including Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Asama, argue that voting is not only a right but a civic responsibility. They cite examples from countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where mandatory voting has led to increased political participation and public accountability. The aim is to strengthen democracy, improve representation, foster greater political awareness, and reduce vote buying by ensuring a higher voter turnout.

However, the bill faces significant opposition from lawmakers and citizens alike. Critics raise concerns about the practicality and enforceability of mandatory voting, particularly in a country with systemic challenges such as infrastructure deficits and a lack of confidence in the electoral process. Questions have been raised about how to accommodate Nigerians living abroad or those in remote areas, as well as how to handle issues like voter incentives, safety, and the credibility of voter registers.

Some argue that forcing citizens to vote undermines the very freedom democracy promises. They suggest that the government should first address the root causes of voter apathy, such as electoral violence, rigging, insecurity, and a lack of trust in politicians. Others point out that abstaining from voting can be a legitimate form of dissent and that compelling people to vote is a violation of their rights.

Despite the opposition, the bill has gained support from some key members of the House, who argue that it would foster broader participation in choosing leaders and increase civic engagement. They believe that mandatory voting could hold leaders more accountable and restore public confidence in leadership and governance.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative scrutiny. The committee will consider the various concerns and arguments raised during the debate and determine whether to proceed with the legislation.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also resolved to investigate the technical fault that resulted in the widespread failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This decision followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Adewale Adebayo, who represents a constituency in Osun State. Reports revealed that over 78 percent of candidates scored below 200 marks out of the total 400 obtainable.