The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to mobilize against a proposed bill that seeks to make voting compulsory in Nigeria.
The bill, introduced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, proposes fines and imprisonment for eligible voters who fail to cast their ballots.
NANS described the bill as “ridiculous and laughable,” arguing that it infringes on citizens’ rights and is a misplaced priority. The association believes the National Assembly should focus on addressing electoral flaws rather than punishing non-voters.
According to NANS, the bill’s proposal to impose a fine of N100,000, a six-month jail term, or both on non-voters is unacceptable.
The association’s National Vice President, Felicia Akinbodunse, stated that NANS will mobilize massively against the bill and urged civil society groups, stakeholders, and organized labor to join the resistance.
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