The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a bill aimed at making voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerian adults, according to reports.
The proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 included penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine for any eligible citizen who failed to vote. It was co-sponsored by Daniel Ago, representative of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, and introduced in February 2025.
Why the Bill Was Withdrawn
In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Mr Tajudeen said the decision followed “extensive consultations with various stakeholders.”
“From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best intentions… However, law-making is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment,” he stated.
While referencing countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where compulsory voting laws are in effect and voter turnout exceeds 90 percent, Tajudeen acknowledged that such models may not align with Nigeria’s democratic and constitutional framework.
Criticism from Legal and Civil Groups
The proposal faced immediate resistance from civil society and legal experts. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called the bill “draconian and unconstitutional,” stating it violated the rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
Yiaga Africa, an election observation and civic advocacy group, echoed these concerns. Executive Director Sam Itodo criticized the bill as a “gross violation” of Nigerians’ fundamental freedoms.
He noted, “While the rationale for the bill is plausible… the strong-arm approach adopted by the bill is draconian.”
Second Controversial Bill Withdrawn
This marks the second time Speaker Tajudeen has backtracked on a legislative proposal. In August 2024, he pulled a bill that would have criminalized speech considered embarrassing to government officials, following widespread condemnation.
The Speaker now says he remains open to exploring alternatives to boost voter participation—without infringing on individual rights.
“Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible,” his office said.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
