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The National Nigerian Student Association (NANS) has strongly condemned the proposed bill in the National Assembly who tried to criminalize non-participating elections, describing it as an insult to democratic principles and incorrect placement of striking legislative priorities.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, the state of Ogun, the National Vice President of the Association for inter-campus and gender affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, described the bill as “not only silly but ridiculous,” warning that every effort to enforce such laws will be filled with resistance from Nigerian students.
The Controversial Bill, which was sponsored by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, proposed amendments to the 2022 Election Law to make a mandatory vote for all Nigerians who met the requirements. If ratified, residents who fail to choose without a valid reason can face sentences ranging from a fine of ₦ 100,000 to six months in prison, or both.
This bill is part of what his supporters claimed to be an effort to curb the apathetic voters and foster civilian responsibility. However, critics have questioned the practicality and intention.
“Where in the world a citizen is jailed for choosing not to choose?” Akinbodunse asked. “This proposal makes democratic mockery and reduce Nigeria the funny on the global stage.”
Nans stressed that while increasing civil participation is a decent goal, coercion is not a solution. Akinbodunse notes that many Nigerians who do not choose not from indifference, but because of disappointment rooted with the credibility of the selection process.
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“It is known that the selection of Nigeria is disturbed by systemic deviations and fraud. Instead of improving the system and restoring public confidence, parliament members choose to punish citizens for choosing to get out of a damaged process,” he said.
The Student Agency also criticized the National Assembly for what he saw as a termination of the reality faced by ordinary Nigerians. According to Nans, instead of proposing laws, the legislature must be focused on strengthening democratic institutions, reforming the election process, and handling economic insecurity and instability that prevents the number of voters.
“This is another comedy event from the National Assembly,” the statement said. “It is unfortunate that a body that is intended to protect citizens instead propose laws that are increasingly alienating and punishing them.”
Nans vowed to mobilize students nationally as protests if the bill moved forward. This group also called for civil society organizations, organized workforce, and democratic stakeholders to join in opposing what is described as “dangerous and unnecessary outreach.”
“Voting is a right, not an obligation to be upheld with the threat of prison. Nigeria deserves the government to get their votes, not those who forced it,” Akinbodunse said.
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