Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a bill that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.
The bill, co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce mandatory voting as a way to boost democratic participation. It had passed second reading on the House floor on March 21, 2024, triggering intense debate across the country.
In a statement released Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas said the decision followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.”
“From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout,” the Speaker stated.
While supporters argued that the bill could improve voter turnout, critics questioned its practicality and raised concerns over individual rights and enforcement in Nigeria’s complex electoral environment.
The Speaker referenced global examples such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where compulsory voting has led to turnout rates above 90% but stressed the need for reforms that align with Nigeria’s unique realities and public opinion.
“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” he added.
Speaker Abbas emphasized a shift toward voluntary and incentivised participation, particularly among young and first-time voters. He pledged to pursue reforms that inspire voter turnout without compulsion.
The bill’s withdrawal comes amid growing public calls to address the root causes of voter apathy, including electoral violence, distrust in the system, and election-day logistics.
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