Ajadi fires important message to lawmakers over bill to make voting compulsory

A prominent South West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has attributed the growing voter apathy in Nigeria to the persistent failure of the political class to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.

Reacting to a proposed bill by the House of Representatives seeking to make voting compulsory and impose penalties on non-voters, Ambassador Ajadi emphasized that such legislation misses the mark.

According to him, the reluctance of citizens to participate in elections is not due to indifference, but a reflection of their disillusionment with a system that has continually failed to meet their basic needs.

In a personally signed statement released to the press on Sunday, Ambassador Ajadi remarked, “When people witness the real benefits of democracy—quality education, accessible healthcare, improved infrastructure, and security—they will be naturally inclined to vote. Voting cannot be driven by compulsion; it must be inspired by trust and tangible outcomes.”

He noted that the widespread dissatisfaction among citizens stems from glaring disparities—where politicians enjoy enormous salaries and privileges, while ordinary Nigerians struggle to access essential services. “People hear of the huge earnings of public office holders, yet see little or no improvement in their daily lives. It makes them question the value of their vote,” he said.

Ajadi further suggested that positive incentives could be introduced to encourage voter participation. “Imagine if registered voters who actively participate in elections receive reductions in utility bills or access to subsidized healthcare—such measures would serve as encouragement, not enforcement.”

He recalled the enthusiasm of the Second Republic, particularly in the South West, where citizens came out en masse to vote, driven by visible development efforts like free education, healthcare, and rural upliftment.

“People felt connected to their leaders because the dividends of democracy were evident. That is what we must return to,” he urged.

Ambassador Ajadi cautioned against legislating participation through coercion, stressing that “the solution to voter apathy lies in building public trust and demonstrating leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people.”

He also proposed allowances or support schemes for holders of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a further step toward rekindling public interest in the electoral process.

Additionally, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold integrity in electoral conduct.

“When the public believes their votes truly count, and results reflect the people’s will, more will be motivated to engage in the democratic process,” he concluded.