Nigerian Human Rights Lawyer Vows to Defy Mandatory Voting Law
In a stern rebuke of a proposed bill that would make voting compulsory in Nigeria, renowned human rights lawyer Olisa Agbakoba has declared he would rather face imprisonment than comply with such a law. Agbakoba’s statement, made during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, underscores the controversy surrounding the National Assembly’s attempt to enforce mandatory voting.
The senior lawyer minced no words, labeling the bill "ridiculous" and questioning the rationale behind it. "Why would the National Assembly want to impose compulsory voting? Why don’t they reverse the question and say, Why are Nigerians not interested? What is the apathy about?" he asked. According to Agbakoba, the root cause of voter apathy in Nigeria is not a lack of civic responsibility, but rather years of exclusion and unfulfilled political promises. He emphasized that exclusion is at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic failure, a pattern he fears will continue if democracy serves only a select elite.
The proposed bill, which has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives, aims to mandate voting for all Nigerians of eligible age in national and state elections. It is jointly sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Labour Party lawmaker Daniel Asama Ago. However, Agbakoba remains unyielding in his opposition, stating, "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."
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, Agbakoba’s warning that democracy cannot succeed if it continues to serve only a select elite resonates deeply. His stance highlights the need for a deeper examination of the issues plaguing Nigeria’s democratic system, rather than merely enforcing compulsory voting. By speaking out against the bill, Agbakoba brings attention to the critical need for inclusive governance and meaningful political participation in Nigeria.
Ultimately, Agbakoba’s defiance serves as a powerful reminder that the path to a thriving democracy lies not in coercion, but in addressing the underlying causes of voter disengagement and ensuring that the political system truly represents the will of the people. As the debate over mandatory voting in Nigeria continues, Agbakoba’s courageous stand encourages a broader discussion on the future of democracy in the country and the importance of citizen participation in shaping its political landscape.
