Nigerian House of Representatives Withdraws Compulsory Voting Bill Amid Public Backlash

The Nigerian House of Representatives has officially withdrawn a contentious bill that sought to mandate compulsory voting for all eligible citizens, following significant public opposition and legal concerns.

The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Daniel Adama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce mandatory voting. Under the bill, eligible voters who failed to participate in elections could face penalties, including fines of up to ₦100,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.

Speaker Tajudeen announced the bill’s withdrawal after extensive consultations with various stakeholders. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker emphasized that the bill was introduced with the intention of enhancing civic engagement and strengthening democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout.

“From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” the statement read. It also noted that while compulsory voting has been successful in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, any democratic reform in Nigeria must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

The bill had passed its second reading in the House two weeks prior to its withdrawal. However, it faced widespread criticism from legal experts, civil society groups, and the general public, who argued that it infringed upon constitutional rights. Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, highlighted that the bill violated fundamental rights to privacy, freedom of thought, and conscience as protected by the Nigerian Constitution .

In light of the public outcry, Speaker Tajudeen expressed a commitment to exploring alternative, non-coercive measures to encourage voter participation. “Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

The withdrawal of the bill marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative process, reflecting the importance of public engagement and constitutional adherence in democratic governance.