Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn a bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians. The decision comes after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the country.
The bill, which was co-sponsored by Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce mandatory voting as a strategy to boost democratic engagement and voter turnout. It had earlier passed second reading on March 21, 2024, prompting significant national debate.
In a statement issued Monday by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas explained that the bill was introduced with the best of intentions.
“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.
Supporters of the bill had argued that mandatory voting could lead to higher electoral participation, drawing on global examples where such laws have led to turnout rates above 90 percent in countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil. However, critics pointed to concerns over personal freedoms, enforcement challenges, and Nigeria’s unique electoral environment.
Speaker Abbas acknowledged the global practices but emphasized the need for reforms that align with Nigeria’s realities and the will of its people.
“Lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and any reform must respect individual freedoms,” he said.
He added that rather than enforcing participation, the focus should shift to exploring non-coercive strategies that encourage voluntary turnout, especially among young 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 Speaker said.
The bill’s withdrawal followed a wave of mixed reactions from the public, with many Nigerians calling for deeper reforms to tackle the root causes of voter apathy, including electoral violence, logistical issues, and widespread distrust in the political system.
