“I’d Rather Be Locked Up!” – Olisa Agbakoba Blasts Nigeria’s Compulsory Voting Bill
Prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has come out strongly against the proposed bill seeking to make voting compulsory in Nigeria. In a bold statement that has ignited national discourse, Agbakoba declared, “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 obey it.”
His remarks, made during a televised appearance on Monday, raise important questions about the root causes of voter apathy in Nigeria, and whether legal compulsion is the appropriate solution to address declining participation in the country’s electoral process.
Understanding the Controversial Compulsory Voting Bill
The proposed legislation, which has already passed second reading in the House of Representatives, is co-sponsored by the Speaker and a lawmaker from the Labour Party. If enacted, the law would make it mandatory for all eligible Nigerians to vote in national and state elections. Failure to do so could result in legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
The proponents argue that making voting compulsory will strengthen democracy by increasing voter turnout and civic engagement. However, critics like Agbakoba argue that this approach is fundamentally flawed and authoritarian.
“Why Are Nigerians Not Interested?”: The Real Question
Rather than forcing citizens to vote, Agbakoba believes the government should address the underlying reasons why millions of Nigerians choose not to participate in elections. “Why would the National Assembly want to impose compulsory voting? Why don’t they reverse the question and ask, why are Nigerians not interested? What is the apathy about?” he questioned.
This statement gets to the heart of the matter: voter apathy in Nigeria is not due to laziness or irresponsibility, but rather deep-seated dissatisfaction with the political system. Over the years, many Nigerians have become disillusioned with politics due to:
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Broken campaign promises
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Corruption at all levels of government
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Electoral violence and insecurity
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Lack of transparency in the electoral process
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Perceived absence of real political choice
By ignoring these critical issues and opting for coercion, the National Assembly may be seen as attempting to suppress dissent rather than reform governance.
The Dangers of Forcing Democratic Participation
Agbakoba’s warning is not merely rhetorical. The principle of conscientious objection—the right to refuse compliance with laws based on moral or ethical grounds—is enshrined in many democratic systems. In this case, he is asserting that freedom of choice is essential to a functional democracy. Voting should be a right, not an obligation imposed under threat of punishment.
This stance resonates with many Nigerians, especially the younger generation, who feel politically alienated. Forcing them to participate in a system they believe does not represent them could have dangerous consequences, including:
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Undermining civil liberties
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Triggering mass resistance or civil disobedience
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Further damaging public trust in political institutions
Exclusion and Elitism: Core Problems in Nigerian Democracy
Agbakoba did not stop at criticizing the bill. He delved into the broader issues plaguing Nigeria’s democracy, stating that exclusion lies at the heart of voter disengagement.
He argued that many Nigerians feel left out of the democratic process, with decisions made by a political elite that prioritizes self-interest over the public good. This exclusion breeds resentment and discourages civic participation.
Agbakoba warned that if these structural problems are not addressed, the 2027 general elections may follow the same pattern of low voter turnout and contested legitimacy.
“Democracy in Nigeria cannot thrive if it continues to serve only a privileged few,” he cautioned.
This is a powerful indictment of the current political system, which many believe has become more about personal gain than public service.
Is the Problem Failed Leadership or the System Itself?
When asked whether the problem lies in the attraction of public office or failed leadership, Agbakoba provided a nuanced answer. While leadership plays a role, he insists that the issue is deeper—political dysfunction is the main driver of low voter turnout.
What does this dysfunction look like?
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Political godfatherism
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Weak institutions
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Rigged party primaries
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Monetization of elections
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Widespread electoral fraud
All of these contribute to a system where the average Nigerian feels powerless and unheard.
Compulsory Voting: A Global Perspective
To fully appreciate the implications of this bill, it’s useful to consider how compulsory voting works in other countries. Nations like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have laws mandating voter participation, with varying levels of enforcement.
However, in those countries, mandatory voting is paired with robust democratic institutions, high levels of political trust, and effective governance. In Nigeria, where trust in government is low and the electoral process is often marred by irregularities, imposing such a law could backfire.
What Needs to Change Instead?
Rather than punishing citizens for not voting, Nigeria’s leaders should focus on:
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Electoral reform: Ensure that votes actually count by eliminating fraud and increasing transparency.
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Civic education: Teach citizens, especially youth, about their rights and responsibilities in a democracy.
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Security at polling units: Guarantee safety during elections to encourage voter turnout.
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Political accountability: Ensure that elected officials deliver on their promises and remain answerable to the people.
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Inclusive governance: Give marginalized groups a voice in decision-making processes.
These measures are far more likely to increase voter participation than threatening jail time.
Olisa Agbakoba: A Voice for the People
Olisa Agbakoba’s courageous stand has sparked widespread debate and drawn attention to one of the most pressing issues in Nigerian politics today: how to revive citizen engagement in a struggling democracy.
By refusing to bow to what he sees as an unjust law, Agbakoba has reaffirmed his commitment to human rights, rule of law, and democratic principles.
His statement, “I’d rather go to prison than obey it,” is not just about defiance—it’s a call to action for leaders to listen to the people and rebuild trust from the ground up.
Conclusion: Let the People Choose
Democracy is not about compulsion; it is about consent. In a country like Nigeria, where the democratic process is still evolving, forcing people to vote may do more harm than good. The National Assembly would do well to heed the warnings of experienced voices like Agbakoba and focus on real reform, not quick fixes.
As 2027 approaches, the question is not whether Nigerians will be forced to vote, but whether they will want to. And that desire can only come from meaningful change—not legal mandates.
