ABUJA — Prominent legal and political analyst, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), has thrown his weight behind the proposed compulsory voting bill, declaring that voting in a democracy should be treated as a civic duty, not an option.
Ubani, in a statement titled “In Defence of Compulsory Voting in Nigeria: A Case for Democratic Responsibility”, argued that the bill — which proposes a N100,000 fine for eligible voters who fail to vote — is a necessary step to revive Nigeria’s struggling democracy and restore electoral legitimacy.
“In a democracy, legitimacy comes from participation. Voting should not be left to a few while the majority stay away. It is a duty every eligible Nigerian must fulfil,” he said.
Low Turnout, Weak Democracy
Ubani decried Nigeria’s consistently low voter turnout, often below 30%, which he said weakens the mandate of elected leaders, encourages electoral malpractice, and results in poor governance.
“When people refuse to vote, they hand power to vote-buyers and political manipulators. We cannot build a credible democracy on silence and apathy,” he stated.
Global Examples Show the Way
Drawing comparisons with other democracies like Australia, Belgium, and Argentina — where compulsory voting laws have led to turnout rates above 90% — Ubani argued that such policies strengthen democratic systems and promote accountability.
“Countries that take voting seriously see better governance and more inclusive representation. We must follow suit,” he said.
He clarified that the proposed fine is not intended to punish citizens but to discourage indifference toward a critical national obligation.
“Just as we enforce laws on taxes, traffic, and national registration, we must enforce voting. Laws without consequences are meaningless,” he added.
Inclusion, Not Exclusion
Ubani emphasized that compulsory voting would bring previously excluded voices — especially from rural and low-income communities — into the democratic process, forcing politicians to appeal to broader interests.
“With everyone voting, no group is left behind. Leaders must now speak to all Nigerians, not just a select few,” he noted.
Participation Is the Path to Change
Addressing critics who argue that government failure justifies voter apathy, Ubani insisted that disengagement only deepens the nation’s problems.
“You don’t fix bad governance by opting out. You fix it by showing up at the polls and demanding change,” he said.
He advocated for reasonable exemptions in the law — for reasons such as illness, age, or travel — to ensure the system is fair and humane.
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Citizenship Comes With Responsibility
Ubani concluded that the bill is not anti-democratic but a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s political culture.
“Voting is not just a right; it is a responsibility. Democracy cannot thrive on convenience. It must be built on commitment,” he declared.
He called on lawmakers and the public to support the bill, describing it as a critical reform to transform Nigeria’s democracy from passive to participatory.
