The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has formally withdrawn a bill that sought to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.
Co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, the bill aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce mandatory voting as a strategy to boost democratic participation. It had passed second reading on March 21, 2024, prompting intense public and parliamentary debate.
In a statement issued Monday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas said the decision to withdraw the bill followed “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders” nationwide.
“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 statement read.
While supporters highlighted the potential for increased voter participation, critics questioned its enforceability and the risk of infringing on individual rights in Nigeria’s complex electoral environment.
Speaker Abbas referenced countries like Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, and Singapore, where mandatory voting has helped maintain turnout rates above 90%. However, he acknowledged that Nigeria requires democratic reforms tailored to its unique political and social realities.
“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” he noted.
Rather than enforcing compulsory voting, the Speaker expressed a commitment to exploring voluntary, incentive-based approaches—particularly targeting youth and first-time voters.
“This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens,” the statement concluded.
The bill had drawn mixed reactions, with many Nigerians urging the government to focus on the root causes of voter apathy—such as electoral violence, lack of trust in the system, and logistical challenges during elections.
