GOV. SOLUDO SECURES APGA CANDIDACY FOR ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP, NAMES IBEZIM AS RUNNING MATE. (PHOTO).

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to withdraw a bill proposing a six-month jail term or N100,000 fine for eligible Nigerians who fail to vote in national and state elections.¹
In a letter dated March 29, 2025, SERAP described the bill as "oppressive" and a violation of citizens' rights under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws. The organization argued that jailing citizens for not voting would be inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights obligations.
SERAP also emphasized that the right to vote includes the right not to vote, and citizens must be free to decide whether to participate in elections. Instead of criminalizing voter apathy, SERAP recommended that the National Assembly prioritize electoral reforms, such as removing constitutional immunity for state governors and their deputies who commit electoral offenses.
Additionally, SERAP called for amendments to enhance voter registration processes through technology and secure voting mechanisms. The organization warned that it would consider legal action if the bill is passed into law.
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