Prominent legal and political analyst, Dr. Monday O. Ubani, SAN, has declared strong support for a proposed legislation mandating compulsory voting for eligible Nigerian citizens, describing it as a bold and necessary step to revive the country’s fragile democratic process.
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In a widely circulated commentary titled “In Defence of Compulsory Voting in Nigeria: A Case for Democratic Responsibility,” Dr. Ubani argued that making voting a legal obligation—with a proposed fine of ₦100,000 for non-compliance—would significantly boost voter turnout, enhance electoral legitimacy, and reduce manipulation by political elites.
“Nigeria’s voter turnout often falls below 30%, creating a vacuum that enables vote buying and undermines the mandate of elected leaders,” he said. “Compulsory voting would reverse this trend by holding public office holders accountable to a broader and more representative electorate.”
Citing Section 24 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines citizens’ duties, including loyalty and respect for national symbols, Dr. Ubani stated that voting is a fundamental civic obligation. “The legitimacy of democracy rests on mass participation. We cannot build a stable nation on political apathy,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ubani referenced countries such as Australia, Belgium, Argentina, and Singapore, where forms of compulsory voting have been successfully implemented. Australia, in particular, enforces voting with fines, achieving voter turnout above 90%.
“These democracies show that compulsory voting leads to more informed citizens, broader representation, and more responsive governance,” he said.
Clarifying that the proposed ₦100,000 fine is not meant as punishment but as deterrence, Dr. Ubani noted: “Laws without consequences are ineffective. Just as we enforce tax laws and traffic regulations, we must treat voting with the same seriousness.”
He added that the law can be structured to provide reasonable exemptions—such as for health conditions, old age, travel, or insecurity—ensuring the penalty only applies to willful neglect.
Dr. Ubani dismissed claims that compulsory voting infringes on individual liberty, calling it instead a pro-democracy policy. “It transforms citizenship from a passive identity into an active duty. In a country where poor leadership persists, voting is not a luxury—it is a tool for change.”
He concluded:
“Compulsory voting is an investment in national stability and democratic maturity. If democracy is the price of freedom, then voting is its minimum cost.”
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