The Nigerian House of Representatives has dismissed a controversial bill that sought to make voting mandatory for all eligible citizens, following intense public and legal backlash. The bill, introduced by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in February 2025, proposed amending the Electoral Act 2022 to require all Nigerians of voting age to participate in national and state elections. Failure to vote would have resulted in penalties including a fine of up to ₦100,000, a six-month jail term, or both.
The proposed legislation aimed to address voter apathy, a persistent issue in Nigerian elections. According to the bill's explanatory memorandum, while over 94 million Nigerians were registered to vote in the 2023 general election, only 25 million participated in the presidential election. Lawmakers believed that compulsory voting would enhance civic engagement and the legitimacy of elected officials.
However, the bill faced significant opposition from various sectors. Legal experts, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), criticized the proposal as unconstitutional and incompatible with democratic principles. They argued that voting is a civic responsibility, not a compulsory duty, and that compelling citizens to vote infringes upon their fundamental rights.
Civil society organizations and student groups also voiced strong objections. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the bill as "ridiculous and laughable," threatening protests if the National Assembly persisted with the proposal.
In response to the mounting criticism, the House of Representatives has decided to withdraw the bill. Lawmakers acknowledged the concerns raised and have pledged to explore alternative measures to address voter apathy without infringing on citizens' rights. The decision marks a significant victory for democratic advocacy groups and upholds the principle of voluntary participation in the electoral process.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in its electoral system, the rejection of the compulsory voting bill underscores the importance of balancing civic engagement with the protection of individual freedoms.
