Imagine it’s a Saturday morning, and the sun is rising over a sleepy polling station in rural Niger. An elderly man leans on his cane, staring at the ballot box. He’s been here before—four times in the last sixteen years. Each time, he hoped his vote would bring water to his village, or maybe fix the broken health center, or especially the promised electricity or security. Each time, nothing changed.
So, this year, like millions of others, he stayed home. Now, some lawmakers want to make that decision a crime.
Voter apathy or national fatigue?
In Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, only 27% of registered voters turned out. Over 70% stayed away. That’s not apathy. That’s a symptom. A loud, painful signal from millions who no longer believe the system listens—or cares.
But instead of asking why, our leaders are thinking of punishment. They want to make voting compulsory, with penalties for those who don’t show up.
Have you asked us why we’re silent?
The hard truth is, very few members of the National Assembly (NASS) returned to their communities after the elections to ask, “Why didn’t you vote?” They didn’t listen, didn’t ask, didn’t care. And now, they want to legislate our silence away. But democracy isn’t built on force. It’s built on trust. And right now, that trust is broken.
Real reasons Nigerians don’t vote
1. “My vote doesn’t count.”
Too many elections have been marred by rigging, violence, and judicial interference. People feel the results are already written.
2. “I’m scared.”
From thugs to terrorists, many Nigerians—especially women and youth—avoid polling stations because they fear for their lives.
3. “They didn’t bring materials on time.”
You travel miles to vote, only to be told the INEC register can’t find your name, or the BVAS isn’t working. Why come back?
4. “Nobody listens after they win.”
Elected officials vanish after elections. They don’t hold town halls. They don’t report back. They don’t ask what we need.
5. “They’re all the same.”
When every ballot feels like choosing between two shades of disappointment, many just opt out entirely.
6. “They’ve forced candidates on us”
In most places, the choices of the people are neglected, and candidates are forced on them
Is forcing us to vote even legal?
Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution protects freedom of thought and conscience. Section 40 gives us the right not to associate, even with politicians. Forcing people to vote when they believe in none of the choices is not only undemocratic; it may be unconstitutional.
There’s a better way forward
If lawmakers are truly serious about reviving participation, here’s where they should start:
- Go back to the people. Hold town halls. Visit villages. Listen—really listen.
- Fix the system. Ensure INEC is efficient, transparent, and secure.
- Educate from the ground up. Start civic education in schools. Use local languages. Use the radio. Use churches and mosques.
- Make politics work for the people. When voting brings real change—better roads, safer streets, jobs—people will vote without being asked.
Don’t threaten the silent. Hear them out.
Democracy means giving people a voice. But sometimes, silence is the voice. A cry for help. A protest. A plea.
Before we punish that silence, we must ask: What have we done to deserve their trust?
Let’s build a democracy where people vote—not because they’re forced to—but because they believe again.
Let’s earn their voice.
