Controversial proposal to penalize non-voters scrapped after backlash from rights groups and legal experts
In a swift response to mounting criticism from civil society groups, legal professionals, and the broader public, Nigeria’s federal government has officially withdrawn a controversial bill that sought to make voting compulsory for eligible citizens.
The proposed legislation, which passed its second reading in the House of Representatives just ten days ago, included provisions for a six-month jail sentence or a fine of ₦50,000 (approximately $63 USD) for anyone who failed to cast their vote during national or local elections.
The move triggered immediate outrage across the country, with many describing it as draconian, unrealistic, and a violation of democratic rights. Following what officials described as “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders,” the government announced that the bill had been scrapped.
“The government listened to the voice of the people and stakeholders from across the nation,” said a senior government spokesperson on Monday. “We recognize that while the intention of the bill was to enhance civic responsibility, its compulsory nature raised significant constitutional and logistical concerns.”
Sharp Decline in Voter Turnout
The now-withdrawn bill was introduced against the backdrop of Nigeria’s declining voter turnout, which has been a growing source of concern for democratic institutions and election observers. The 2023 presidential election witnessed a historic low turnout of just 27%, the lowest since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
Proponents of the bill, including House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, argued that compulsory voting could help reverse this downward trend and reinvigorate public engagement in the democratic process.
“This bill was never about punishment,” Tajudeen explained during a recent parliamentary session. “It was about encouraging Nigerians to recognize the power of their vote and to participate actively in choosing their leaders.”
He added, “Our democracy is only as strong as the participation of its people. The bill was conceived with good intentions — to foster civic responsibility and greater national development.”
Rights Groups: “You Can’t Force Democracy”
Despite these reassurances, human rights organizations were quick to reject the bill as unconstitutional and a step backward for Nigerian democracy.
The Civic Space Watch Nigeria, a leading civil liberties group, warned that enforcing voting through punitive measures undermines the foundational principle of free and fair elections.
“The moment the state begins to coerce citizens into voting, the integrity of the democratic process is at risk,” said Amina Yusuf, director of the organization. “Democracy thrives on voluntary participation, not compulsion. This bill, if passed, would have set a dangerous precedent.”
The group noted that rather than threatening non-voters with jail time, the government should focus on addressing the root causes of electoral apathy — including insecurity, lack of trust in electoral institutions, and the widespread perception that votes do not lead to meaningful change.
Legal Experts: Impractical and Unenforceable
The legal community also voiced strong opposition, pointing to the impracticality of enforcing such a law in a country of over 200 million people, where millions abstain from elections for reasons ranging from logistical barriers to outright protest.
“Imagine trying to prosecute tens of millions of citizens who didn’t vote — the courts would be paralyzed,” said Barrister Chukwudi Anya, a Lagos-based constitutional lawyer. “More importantly, compelling someone to vote under threat of imprisonment violates basic human rights enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.”
Anya emphasized that while governments may encourage voter participation through education and accessibility, mandating electoral participation through criminal law crosses a red line.
Several lawyers also highlighted potential constitutional conflicts, noting that the Nigerian constitution guarantees the right to vote — but does not impose it as a duty.
Global Context: A Rare Practice
Mandatory voting is not entirely unheard of globally. Around 20 countries enforce some form of compulsory voting, including Australia, Belgium, and Argentina. However, these countries typically pair compulsory voting laws with extensive civic education programs, robust voting infrastructure, and relatively high levels of public trust in the political process.
In Nigeria’s case, critics argued that imposing mandatory voting without addressing the systemic flaws in its electoral system would only deepen public resentment and skepticism.
“There is a crisis of confidence in Nigeria’s democracy,” said political analyst Dr. Ijeoma Okonkwo of the University of Abuja. “People are staying away from the polls because they believe their votes don’t count. Until that perception is corrected, mandatory voting is both tone-deaf and counterproductive.”
A Wake-Up Call for Civic Reform
While the bill has now been shelved, many observers believe the public reaction it provoked could serve as a catalyst for broader electoral reform in Nigeria.
Civil society leaders are urging the government to invest in voter education campaigns, strengthen electoral transparency, and address persistent challenges such as vote-buying, intimidation, and logistical failures during elections.
“We don’t need threats to get people to the polls — we need reforms that make them want to vote,” said Olabisi Adeyemi, coordinator of the Vote Smart Coalition, a grassroots voter education initiative.
Adeyemi added that with Nigeria’s youthful population, social media influence, and hunger for change, there is an untapped well of civic potential — one that needs trust-building and empowerment, not punishment.
The Road Ahead
Although the idea of compulsory voting has been put to rest for now, the conversation around Nigeria’s low voter turnout and political disengagement is far from over. Political leaders and civil society must now grapple with the deeper issues eroding democratic participation in the country.
As 2027 draws closer, stakeholders agree that any efforts to boost voter turnout must be rooted in dialogue, transparency, inclusivity, and respect for constitutional rights — not criminalization.
