Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe, National Coordinator of the Association of Former ANPP Members, has emphasized that voting should remain a voluntary act, not a mandatory one.
This statement comes amid reports that a bill aiming to make voting compulsory passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Sponsored by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Ago, the bill seeks to amend the Electoral Act, 2022, to tackle low voter turnout.
Ago argued that compulsory voting would boost civic engagement and make voting a legal obligation rather than a personal choice.
However, Ajumbe, a senior APC member, countered by pointing out that certain professionals, such as security agents, might be unable to vote due to their duties.
He questioned whether detainees, policemen, and other security personnel should be legally required to vote, stressing the importance of preserving voting as a voluntary right.
Ajumbe urged lawmakers to focus on other pressing matters instead of pushing the compulsory voting bill.
