In a significant development, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the controversial bill aimed at amending the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.
The announcement was made through a statement signed by Tajudeen’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, and shared with Channels Television on Monday. According to Tajudeen, the decision follows extensive consultations with various stakeholders. He explained that although the bill was intended to bolster civic engagement and increase voter turnout, the withdrawal provides an opportunity for further dialogue on alternative methods to enhance participation.
“The bill was introduced with the best of intentions, aiming to strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” Tajudeen said. He highlighted the success of compulsory voting systems in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where voter participation rates have consistently remained above 90%. Tajudeen also mentioned that countries such as Argentina and Singapore have adopted similar measures to promote inclusivity at the polls.
However, Tajudeen emphasised that he was committed to exploring innovative approaches to encourage voting without infringing on individuals’ freedoms. “Rather than compel participation, we are now focused on finding positive incentives and innovative methods that make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians,” he stated.
The bill, which had already passed its second reading in the House before being withdrawn, was met with widespread criticism from various quarters, particularly for its potential to infringe on individual rights. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, was particularly vocal in his opposition, describing the proposed legislation as unconstitutional. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba remarked, “If that bill were to pass, I would say, ‘Agbakoba, we will not obey it.’ I’d rather go to prison for six months than obey it.”
Agbakoba questioned the rationale behind the bill, urging the National Assembly to consider the reasons for widespread voter apathy rather than imposing compulsory participation. “Why don’t they reverse the question and say, ‘Why are Nigerians not interested? What is the apathy about?'” he added.
Similarly, renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, condemned the bill, declaring it a violation of Nigerians’ constitutional rights. In a statement issued on May 19, 2025, titled ‘Compulsory Voting is Not Enough’, Falana argued that the bill undermined fundamental rights protected by the Constitution. He pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedoms such as privacy, freedom of thought, and conscience, which would be infringed upon by the introduction of mandatory voting. “It is doubtful whether the Speaker and his colleagues have paid sufficient attention to the relevant provisions of the Constitution,” Falana stated.
The proposed bill had sparked intense debate, with many critics questioning its constitutional validity, particularly its inconsistency with several sections of the Nigerian Constitution. Falana specifically cited Sections 37, 38, 77(2), 135(5), and 178(5) of the Constitution, which he argued protected the right of citizens to decide whether to vote voluntarily.
As the House of Representatives shifts its focus away from compulsory voting, Tajudeen’s withdrawal of the bill signals a shift towards fostering a culture of voluntary participation in the electoral process. The Speaker has expressed his commitment to finding new strategies that respect both the democratic ideals of the nation and the rights of its citizens.