Ex-lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has asked the Federal Government to fine Nigerians with Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) who refuse to vote during elections heavily.
News About Nigeria reports that the ex-lawmaker gave the suggestion in a post shared on his official X account on Sunday evening.
In the post, Sani noted that implementing penalties for those who possess PVCs but choose not to vote would effectively address the challenge of low voter turnout on election days.
He further noted that such stringent measures would encourage greater civic participation and responsibility among citizens during electoral processes, adding that it would ultimately strengthen the democratic system in the country.
He wrote, “Heavy fine should be imposed for those who collected PVC but refused to vote. That is the best way to address the problem of low voter turnout.”
The former lawmaker’s suggestion has sparked various reactions on X, as many are against it because even when people come out in mass to vote, the electoral system is already messed up.
An X user, @BolanleA4 wrote, “Low turnout suggests the absence of confidence in the election process. You can not treat the symptoms while ignoring the actual disease. Fix INEC and the Judiciary, then turnout will improve. But, you already know this and would rather target the voters.”
Also, @OnunakuDr said, “What is the penalty for those who refuse to count and accurately assign votes to their intended recipients, as well as the office seekers enabling such behavior ? Is there a crime greater than that?”
Another X user @Double_Dee4U also wrote, “You want to criminalise low turnout during election? That’s absurd. Why not fix the INEC and Judiciary malpractice plus vote buying, violence and outright rigging by INEC against the choice of the majority of the same people you want to punish?”
