Human Rights Lawyer Agbakoba Vows To Defy Proposed Compulsory Voting Law.
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, has fiercely criticised a proposed bill that would make voting mandatory in Nigeria, declaring he would rather face imprisonment than comply with such a law. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, 19 May 2025, Agbakoba condemned the National Assembly’s attempt to enforce compulsory voting, arguing it fails to address the root causes of voter apathy in the country.
“Look at the ridiculous one in the National Assembly about voting being compulsory. If that bill were to pass, I would say, ‘Agbakoba, we will not obey it.’ I’ll plead conscientious objection. I’d rather go to prison for six months than obey it,” he stated emphatically. The outspoken lawyer questioned the rationale behind the legislation, asserting that forcing citizens to vote does not tackle the underlying issues driving low voter turnout, such as distrust in the electoral process and lack of civic engagement.
Agbakoba’s comments come amid growing debate over the proposed bill, which has sparked controversy across Nigeria. The legislation, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, seeks to impose mandatory voting to boost participation in elections. However, critics, including Agbakoba, argue it infringes on personal freedom and fails to address systemic issues like electoral integrity and voter education.
“Why would the National Assembly want to impose compulsory voting?” Agbakoba asked during the programme. He urged lawmakers to focus on reforms that restore public confidence in the democratic process rather than enacting laws that could be perceived as coercive. His stance has resonated with many Nigerians, with social media platforms abuzz with support for his position. One post on X stated, “Agbakoba speaks for many of us. Forcing people to vote won’t fix a broken system!”
The human rights lawyer’s defiance underscores a broader sentiment among some Nigerians who view the bill as an overreach by the government. Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, has long been a vocal advocate for civil liberties and democratic reforms. His remarks have reignited discussions about the balance between civic duty and personal freedom in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
As the National Assembly continues to deliberate on the bill, Agbakoba’s bold statement serves as a rallying cry for those opposing mandatory voting. The debate is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, with many watching to see whether the government will heed calls for addressing voter apathy through trust-building measures rather than compulsion.